Congestive heart failure in horses: 14 cases (1984-2001).
OBJECTIVE
To identify clinical signs, underlying cardiac conditions, echocardiographic findings, and prognosis for horses with congestive heart failure.


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
14 horses.


METHODS
Signalment; history; clinical signs; clinicopathologic, echocardiographic, and radiographic findings; treatment; and outcome were determined by reviewing medical records.


RESULTS
All 14 horses were examined because of a heart murmur; tachycardia was identified in all 14. Twelve horses had echocardiographic evidence of enlargement of 1 or more chambers of the heart. Other common clinical findings included jugular distention or pulsation, crackles, cough, tachypnea, and ventral edema. Nine horses had signs consistent with heart failure for > 6 days. Underlying causes for heart failure included congenital defects, traumatic vascular rupture, pericarditis, pulmonary hypertension secondary to heaves, and valvular dysplasia. Seven horses were euthanatized after diagnosis of heart failure; 5 were discharged but were euthanatized or died of complications of heart disease within 1 year after discharge. The remaining 2 horses were discharged but lost to follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
Results suggest that congestive heart failure is rare in horses. A loud heart murmur accompanied by either jugular distention or pulsation, tachycardia, respiratory abnormalities (crackles, cough, tachypnea), and ventral edema were the most common clinical signs. Echocardiography was useful in determining the underlying cause in affected horses. The long-term prognosis for horses with congestive heart failure was grave.
Davis
Jennifer L
JL
Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh 27606, USA.
Gardner
Sarah Y
SY
Schwabenton
Brooke
B
Breuhaus
Babetta A
BA
D000818:Animals; D004452:Echocardiography / Q000662:veterinary; D005260:Female; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*; D006736:Horses; D008297:Male; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013610:Tachycardia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary; D016896:Treatment Outcome