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Prominent Narre Warren Vet Dr Robyn Charman Speaks about Horse Hospital Heart Problems Cardiac (heart) examinations

are regularly performed at the South Eastern Horse Hospital. Dr Robyn Charman explains: A visiting equine medical specialist, Dr Kate Savage is available by appointment through our horse hospital. Our clinic is well equipped to investigate cardiac issues with both echocardiography (ultrasound) and electrocardiography (ECG) available on site. When a heart murmur is detected, it is important to find out the cause of the murmur. The Narre Warren vet team at the South Eastern Equine Hospital regularly investigate cardiac problems at the horse hospital. One issue we are commonly presented with are heart murmurs. These murmurs are generated when there is turbulent blood flow which causes vibrations in the structures of the heart. This can sometimes be caused by low blood viscosity which may be due to anaemia. Murmurs may also result from conditions that cause an increase in heart output and these are classed as physiological murmurs, states Dr Robyn Charman. Dr Robyn Charman recognises heart murmurs in horses during physical examinations at their annual check ups. The owners are then given the option of a visiting internal medicine equine specialist to examine the patient at the horse hospital. Other causes of murmurs include leaky valves, where there is a small hole or leak between the valve leaflets in the heart. This can be due to an abnormality with the valve but can also be found in normal hearts at the moment when the valves close. Abnormalities with the heart structures, such as a defect in the internal wall separating the two sides of the heart or shunting vessels may also cause murmurs,the Narre Warren vet says.

Generally, a heart problem can be detected by listening with a stethoscope on both sides of the chest. After this simple examination a cardiac ultrasound is recommended. This allows the heart structures to be visualised and measured on screen and blood flow across valves can also be determined in the standing horse. An electrocardiogram (ECG) can also be performed on the standing patient. This displays the electrical current as it runs through the heart causing contractions. Reading the ECG will show any abnormalities in contractions, and allow an assessment of how specific areas of the heart are functioning both at rest and after work. Cardiac problems are just one of the many issues that can be detected during a clinical examination. So book an appointment today with your local Narre Warren vet, Dr Robyn Charman. To find out more about different problems seen at a horse hospital, visit the link below: http://www.seeh.com.au/new-blogholder/colic-at-horse-hospital/ or call (03) 8790 4922 to book an appointment with Dr Robyn Charman at the horse hospital.

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