Echocardiographic findings in athletic horses with pulmonary regurgitation

Determining the clinical significance of cardiac murmurs is widely considered in equine practice. Pulmonary murmurs are commonly detected in athletic horses. Echocardiography plays a leading role in assessment of these murmurs. Echocardiographic evaluation of horses with pulmonary regurgitation and determining the importance of pulmonary valve murmurs. A total number of 450 athletic horses were examined with focus on cardiac and respiratory systems and 18 horses [8 horses with pulmonary murmur grades 3 and 4 and 10 normal horses] were included in echocardiographic examination. B-mode, M-mode, color flow Doppler and spectral Doppler were performed on two groups and the calculated indices were compared. No statistical difference was found between the values of the two groups [p<0.05]. No significant correlation was found between severity of murmurs grade and the severity of regurgitating jets. We found that with moderate grades of pulmonary regurgitation, no change in cardiac indices is present

[Study on the frequency of various forms of p-wave in Khuzestan river buffalo]

The study of electrocardiographic parameters of buffalo in comparison to other large animals is very scanty. Electrocardiography is a very important tool to diagnose cardiac diseases. In this case, standardization of ECG of each species of animal or even each breed should be carried out. This is due to the fact that ECG parameters are related to many factors such as size, breed, sex, etc. In this study, which has been carried out for the first time on Khozestan buffaloes, variable forms of P-waves of this animal was determined. One hundred buffaloes were divided into two age and two sex groups. In this study a base apex lead was used to record ECG for studying prevalence of different forms of P wave and data analysed using chi- square method. P wave configuration varied from simple positive, notched positive, biphasic or either +/- or -/+. Statistical study showed that +/- form of P wave was significant in two sexes. Concomitant presence of simple positive, notched positive and +/- forms were statistically significant between the two sex groups [p<0.05]. Differences of various forms of P wave with or without concomitant presence in age groups were not significant. The findings of this study, like other studies showed that if base- apex lead system is used in buffalo, the frequency of simple positive P wave will be higher compared to its other forms

Electrocardiographic parameters of Markhoz goat using base apex lead and six standard limb leads

Electrocardiographic study of 50 healthy Markhoz goats ranging from less than 1 to more than 3 years in age was carried out. The heart rate varied from 99 to 123 beats/min with a mean of 110 beats/min. There was a significant difference between the heart rate of goats in 3 age groups [[P<0.05]. The mean duration of P and T waves and QT interval in base apex lead, QRS wave in lead I, P-R and PQ interval in aVF lead were higher and duration of QRS and T waves in aVR lead, P wave in lead III, PQ and P-R intervals in lead II and QT interval in aVR lead were lower than those in the other leads. The mean duration of QT interval had significant changes with age [P<0.05]

[Familial werding-hoffmann: a rare incidence]

Werding-Hoffmann disease is a degenerative disease of motor neurons that begins in fetus and continues to be progressive in infancy and childhood. Most of them die by 2 years of age because of respiratory failure. The simplest and most accurate method of diagnosis is detection of serum genetic marker of SMA. In this article a neonate with Werding-Hoffmann disease is studied; the importance being that the disease was detected in his parents by DNA analysis. The two previous siblings died during infancy because of respiratory failure and muscular weakness. There was also a positive family history of an abortion during the second trimester; in other words an Autosomal Recessive [AR] disease affecting all of the 4 siblings. Werding-hoffmann is an AR disease with a rare familial incidence

[Clinical and hematological findings in affected dairy cows with combined tricuspid and mural endocarditis]

Endocarditis of cattle can develop as valvular, mural or concurrent involvement of the valvular and mural endocardium. Given the importance of endocarditis among the diseases of the cardiovascular system in cattle, 568 dairy cows were studied through complete clinical examination, looking particularly for special signs of heart involvement. The cows suspected of having a heart problem were labeled following the identification. Additional measures including blood sampling, carcass examination, and lesion sampling for histopathology were carried out in the abattoir, and endocarditis was diagnosed in 2.81% of the cases. The mean age of the cows with endocarditis was 5.4 years. The body temperature was higher than 39[degree sign]C in 56.2% of the cases. Almost 70% of the cows had more than 84 heart beats per minute. Acardiac systolic murmur was found in 56.2% of the cows. Fewer than 5,500 white blood cells per microliter and neutrophilia with more than 40% neutrophils was diagnosed in 75% and 50% of the cases, respectively. Given these results, it was concluded that despite the absence of audible systolic murmur using a stethoscope, it is probable to see valvular endocarditis, particularly in industrial mid-aged dairy cows with a focal active infective involvement showing mild fever, persistent high or at least relatively high heart beat rate and intensity, marginal leucopenia, and relatively increased neutrophils and monocytes. Therefore it may be suitable to conduct echocardiography due to its very applicable findings

[Prevalence of cardiac arrhythmias in dogs referred to Shiraz University Veterinary Teaching Hospital]

Cardiac arrhythmias can cause hypoxia, hypotension disturbance in tissue blood supply and cardiac arrest. Diagnosis of cardiac arrhythmias using electrocardiography is simple and common. The purpose of this study was to review the prevalence of cardiac arrhythmias in dogs brought to the Veterinary Clinic for different reasons. One hundred and seventy six dogs of different age groups [<1, 1-3, 3-5, 5-6,>6 years], and both sexes were included in this study. The survey was carried out for two years. Electrocardiogram of each dog using standard limb leads [1, 11, and Ill] and augmented limb leads [aVR, aVL, and aVF] were taken and investigated for rhythm irregularitieso Results obtained from 1232 traces indicated Sinus arrhythmia [27.9%], sinu5 tachycardia [7.8%], wandering pacemaker [5.1%], ventricular premature beats [3.4%], atrioventricular block type 11[1.2%], and the dogs simultaneously showed two kinds of disrhythmias [11.9%]. From 176 dogs, 68 were males [56.6%] and 33 females [58.9%] showed different types of arrhythmias Results of this study indicated that in spite of referring the dogs merely for check up and vaccination have cardiac arrhythmia that some of which could be dangerous for animal life

Effects of age on the prevalence of cardiac dysrhythmias in ponies

This study describes the prevalence of cardiac dysrhythmias occurring over a single 24 h period in ponies and compares the heart rate and frequency of dysrhythmias in two groups of ponies of different ages. Electrocardiograms were recorded using a Holter monitoring system from twenty four ponies aged less than 15-year-old [n = 14] and greater than 15-year-old [n = 10]. Subsequent analyses of cardiac rhythm revealed that only 3/24 ponies maintained a regular rhythm throughout the recording period. In the remaining 21 ponies, 6 different types of dysrhythmias were detected, the majority of which were vagally mediated; sinus arrhythmias [n = 12], sinoatrial block [n= 6] and second degree atrioventricular block [n = 10]. Premature beats of both atrial [n = 3] and ventricular [n =1] origin were observed only in the older group. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups with respect to mean 24-h heart rates or the prevalence of cardiac dysrhythmias

prevalence of distention and pulsation of the jugular vein in clinically healthy dairy cattle

Three hundred cattle from 12 dairy farms in Shiraz area were chosen randomly for population to be studied. After restraining, the jugular vein was examined for distention and on the base of severity, first, second and third degree distention was recorded. Then the cattle were checked for jugular pulsation. The data were analyzed by using Chi square, Fisher exact test and t-test. P < 0.05 was considered as significant. The prevalence of jugular distention [JD] and jugular pulsation [JP] were 13.3% +/- 3.3 and 9.77% +/- 3.8 in the population, respectively. The incidence of JD and JP was related to the amount of milk production, lactation period and systolic murmurs with the maximum intensity on the tricuspid valve. On the base of the results of this study it can be stated that although JD and JP are the signs of heart disorders but may also be observed in clinically healthy cattle. This study also indicated that there is a close association between the incidence of JD and JP with the amount of milk production and lactation period which can be concluded that milk production and lactation period may have effects on the cardiovascular system

Bronchoalveolar lavage and bacteriological findings in calf pneumonia

This study was done for identification of bacterial agents in calf pneumonia and determination of their antimicrobial susceptibility. Bronchoalveolar lavage was done on fourteen pneumonic and seven normal Holstein calves between 1-3 month old. In bacteriological examination on the fluid of bronchoalveolar lavage, Mycoplasma spp. were isolated from 4 [28.6%] pneumonic calves and 1 [14.3%] healthy calf. Furthermore, Arcanobacterium pyogenes was isolated from 3 [21.5%] pneumonic calves and 1 [14.3%] healthy calf. However, Fusobacterium necrophorum, Actionobacillus [Pasturella] urea, Neisseria mucosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Cardiobacterium hominis were isolated from one pneumonic calf. This is the first report of Cardiobacterium hominis from the lung of a pneumonic calf. All of the isolated bacteria had the highest susceptibility to florfenicol

Study on the frequency of cardiac dysrhythmias in apparently healthy horses of riding schools [Shiraz, Isfehan, and Tehran]

To find the frequency of cardiac dysrhythmiasin apparently healthy horses and discriminate functionalfrom pathological ones. Observational field study. The study was conducted on 544 horses but ECGwas recorded only from 395 cases. Data were evaluated by using analysisvariance and Chi-square. ECG was obtained on a base apex lead withthe paper speed of 25mm/sec and calibration of l0mm/mVat rest without restraining or using of tranquilizers. Thefindings were evaluated according to the criteria of normalcardiac rhythm. 102 out of 395 horses used for ECG recording hadsome types of cardiac arrhythmias [25.82%]. The mostfrequent dysrhythmias were heart block, sinus arrhythmiaand sinus tachycardia, respectively. Atrial fibrillation wasnot seen. This study showed that horses of ridingschools show cardiac dysrhythmias just like race horses.Major cardiac dysrhythmias are functional ones. Atrial andventricular premature beats should be cautiously looked.Furthermore, in contrast to what has been reported in theveterinary literature, no case of atrial fibrillation was seen.This dysrhythmia seems to be very rare among Iranianequine population for some unknown reasons

Atrioventricular dissociation in a horse with clinical signs of colic

A horse presented to the large animal clinic with clinical signs of colic. Clinical examination was carried out and because of cardiac irregularity a base apex lead ECG was recorded. On the basis of criteria of normal rhythm, incomplete atrioventricular dissociation was diagnosed and its clinical significance was discussed

Prevalence and types of urinary calculi in male sheep in Fars province, southern Iran

Considering that most urinary calculi in ruminants are formed in sigmoid flexure, urethral process and urinary bladder, these organs were collected from slaughtered male sheep from Fars Meat Complex The first step was to take a radiograph. All parts of the penile urethra and urinary bladder were then palpated for possible presence of calculi. Finally, the urethra and urinary bladder were opened using a surgical blade. Out of 600 specimens, only two [0.3%] had urolithiasis: one of them was in the urethral process and the other one was in the sigmoid flexure. The two cases were from flocks grazing ranges located in the north of the province where the climate is cold and animals are mainly fed on concentrates. They were both rams: one was 2.5 and the other 4-year-old. The composition of one calculus was struvite [MgNH[4]PO[4].6H[2]O] and the other was made of apatite [calcium phosphate, Ca[3] [PO[4]][2]

[Study on normal synovial fluid of the fetlock joint in the horse]

Ten healthy mixed bred Iranian horses with no clinical signs of locomotion problem were chosen from Animal Husbandry Unit of the School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University. Synovial samples were taken from both fetlocks of the forelimbs without the use of tranquilizers or local anesthetics. Blood samples were also obtained from the jugular vein immediately following synovial samples. Clinical pathological examination of the samples revealed the following results: 1- Appearance was pale, yellow and clear with no debris. 2-No clot formation was observed at room temperature. 3- Mucin precipitation test was normal. 4- Mean and standard error values for the red and the white blood cell count were 4450 +/- 1173 and 152.5 +/- 29, respectively. 5- Differential counts were as follow: Lymphocytes [71.5% +/- 1.8], monocytes [23.1% +/- 1.5] and neutrophils [5.35% +/- 0.93]. 6- No significant difference was observed between synovial and serum glucose concentration which was measured simultaneously. 7- The amount of total protein of synovial fluid was 1.2 +/- 0.15 g/dl. 8- Comparative values of the synovial fluid of the left and right fetlock showed that there were no significant differences in leukocytes, neutrophils, protein and glucose but differences were observed in erythrocytes, lymphocytes and monocytes [p<0.05]. Comparing the findings of this study with investigations carried out by others, it was shown that in some parts, there are similarities and in others there are some variabilitis. This study was carried out on horses which were active in racing or heavy daily exercise. It has been shown that daily exercise can have some effects on the composition of the synovial fluid

Comparative study on the effects of a steroidal and non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs on blood picture and biochemical factors of sheep

In this study, 10 sheep from Shiraz Veterinary School Animal Husbandary Unit were used. Animal's body weight ranged from 40 to 63 Kgs and their age was from 2-4 years old. Before the start of experiment, three blood samples were taken from the jugular vein. These animals were divided into two groups of 5 animals each. Group I was control and group II as experimental one. In experimental group non-steroidal anti inflammatory drug [phenylbutazone] was injected intramusculary for 5 days [4.4 mg/kg]. Blood samples were collected every day for 12 days and blood parameters were determined. Following 2 months rest, the same experiment was repeated with a steroidal anti-inflammatory drug [isoflupredone acetate]. The drug was given [0.1 mg/kg] intramuscularly [IM]. All samples were analysed and the results were compared statistically. In phenylbutazone group WBC increased 12.5%, Hb 1.4%, MCHC 0.4% and cholesterol 10.5%, significantly [p<0.05]. In contrast, BUN decreased 1.3%, calcium 1.6%, inorganic phosphate 7.1%, sodium 2% and potassium 22.7%, significantly [p<0.05]. In isoflupredone acetate group W.B.C. increased 19.6%, neutrophil 17.9%, cholesterol 45.6%, calcium 45.8%, inorganic phosphate 11.9% and sodium 0.6%, significantly [p<0.05]. In contrast, monocytes decreased 34.3%, eosinophils 68.2%, lymphocytes 14.3%, total protein 4%, BUN 22.9% and potassium 6.6%, significantly [p<0.05]

Multifocal premature ventricular contractions in a dog

A five years old female German Shepherd dog with the complaint of vomiting with nonweight bearing lameness on the hind legs was brought to Shiraz University Teaching Hospital. Clinical examination ECG and radiograph indicated the involvement of the cardiovascular system. Symptomatic treatments were not effective and the dog died two days after admission. Autopsy showed vegetative endocarditis of the mirtral valve

Urinary enzyme concentrations and urinalysis in healthy horses

The tubules of the kidneys are metabolically very active being responsible for the absorption or excretion of a wide range of substances. The transport of these compounds is facilitated by a variety of enzymes which can generally be found in large amounts in tubular cells. The regular turnover of these cells results in the presence of their enzymes in urine [enzymuria]. Measurement of the changes in the content of these enzymes in urine can be a good aid in detection of early kidney diseases. In this study the normal values of the following enzymes ALP [alkaline phosphatase] AST [aspartate aminotransfrase] ALT [Alanine amino transfrase] and creatinine in Iranian crossbreed horses were measured, the subjects were divided into two groups of males and females. The sex of the horses did not influence urinary enzymes activity [p>0.05]. Normal values of ALP, AST, ALT were found to be 3.99 +/- 1.23 Iu/L, 4.34 +/- 1.17 Iu/L 1.78 +/- 0.54 Iu/L respectively and creatinine was 3.70 +/- 0.69 g/L in males and 1.46 +/- 0.17 g/L in females

[Sinoatrial block in the horse]

Long pauses in the cardiac rhythm of a horse suffering from colic were diagnosed at the time of cardiac auscultation. Electrocardiogram obtained from this horse showed that the long pause is due to sinoatrial block. If block disappears after exercise it is a physiological abnormality. In this horse the block was considered as a functional type

[Determination of the best place for electrodes and study of electrocardiographic parameters of the base-apex lead in horses and cattle]

Since the beginning of the introduction of electrocardiograph in the Veterinary Medicine specially for large animals, invetsigators realized the difficulties of electrodes attachment to the various parts of the limbs and the effects of limbs position and their movement on the ECG. For solving these problems and for finding a monitoring lead many research works have been carried out in different countries. At last, a base-apex lead was suggested. Reviewing the veterinary literatures shows that the position of the negative electrode of this lead has been reported differently by different workers. Thus a research was carried out on 10 horses and 10 cattle in order to standardize the electrode position. 15 points on 3 lines [above, middle, and below] on the left side of the neck of each animals was marked and electrode was attached to each position and then ECG was recorded. Comparing ECG recorded from each position from 10 horses and 10 cattle showed that the best place is point C4 [Fig 1.], that is, the middle of the neck above the jugular furrow. Thus, it is suggested that whenever this lead being used, the negative electrode is attached to C4 and the positive electrode on the cardiac area on the fifth intercostal space caudal to the point of the elbow joint. By using this lead the electrocardiogram was recorded from 50 adult healthy horses and 50 cattle. The electrocardiographical parameters including; heart rate, ECG congiurations [P, QRS, T], ECG ampitudes [P, QRS, T] and ECG intervals [P, P-R, QRS, Q-T, T] were measured and presented in Tables. These parameters can be used whenever this lead is used. Furthermore, ECG recorded from this lead is not affected by limb position and limb movements and it presents a very good and high amplitude ECG waves. So, this lead is suitable as a monitoring lead and for studying cardiac arrhythmias in large animal

[Studies on the electocardiographic parameters of dairy cow [Holstein]]

Standard, augmented limb Leads, unipolar [V[10]] and bipolar precordial [Base-apex] leads electrodigrams [ECG] were recorded from 50 healthy dairy cows hept in dairy farm of the School of Agriculture, Shiraz University. The ECGs were analyzed for rhythm, rate, ECG configurations, intervals, amplitudes and vectors. The most significant findings in this study were. The most significant findings in this study were: 1. The great variability of QRS complexes in all leads but V[10] and base-apex. 2. Cardiac rhythm was regular in all animals examined. However, slight sinus arrhythmia was observed on a few ECGs. 3. Variations in the forms of P, QRS, T and ECG intervals, and amplitudes given in Tables [1-5]. 4. The mean heart rate was 74 beats per minute. [Range 57-93 bpm] 5. Study of vectors in transvers, horizental and sagittal planes indicated that: a] atrial depolarization directed dextrad, caudad and ventrad. b] ventricular depolarization directed dextrad, craniad and slightly dorsad, c] ventricular repolarization directed dextrad, ventrad and slightly caudad. Comparing he main vectors of QRS complex and T-wave showed that the direction of ventricular repolarization [T] is on the opposite direction of depolarization [QRS]. This study demonstrated that there are slight discrepancies between our findings and information reported by others on dairy cows. These may be due to using different breeds, ages and management conditions