Equine Cardiology

Cardiology is a branch of medicine dealing with disorders of the heart as well as parts of the circulatory system. The field includes medical diagnosis and treatment of congenital heart defects, coronary artery disease, heart failure, valvular heart disease and electrophysiology Veterinary Cardiology deals with the diagnostic and therapeutic needs of veterinary patients who have heart disease or are suspected to have heart disease. The heart and vascular system are evaluated primarily through use of the non-invasive techniques such as: Electrocardiography (EKG), Radiography (X-rays) and Echocardiography (cardiac ultrasound). Cardiovascular surgery in animals began with the removal of heartworms from the right ventricle using inflow venous occlusion via thoracotomy in1950. Current transvenous extraction of worms with a flexible alligator forceps is now the favored approach for large heartworm burdens. The first operations for patent ductus arteriosus and pulmonic stenosis in dogs were performed in research laboratories by physicians with the assistance of collaborating veterinarians but subsequent procedures were done by veterinarians. Pacemaker therapy in animals began in 1967 when a used, fixed rate pulse generator was repaired and attached via thoraco-tomy to epicardial leads in a 10 year-old-dog with complete heart block and congestive heart failure. The treatment of veterinary patients with heart disease may consist of drug therapy and occasionally, operative procedures such as: Coil embolization of patent ductus arteriosus, Balloon dilation of obstructive cardiac disease and Implantation of cardiac pacemakers. The book included Eight Sections. This edition provides some guidelines on setting up a practice clinical examination for veterinarians predominantly in horse practice. It provides an overview for the practitioner, with some practical information about the practice surgery that is hard to find in standard texts.