Even elite athletes can have heart problems. For the racehorse, the most common heart problem is an arrhythmia called atrial fibrillation. Both Standardbred and Thoroughbred racehorses can be affected, whether they are racing in the United States, Europe, or elsewhere. In contrast, the Norwegian Coldblooded Trotter is a unique breed of harness racehorse in which atrial fibrillation is a rare finding. The product of breeding lighter and faster horses with the heavier Døle horse, the Norwegian Coldblooded Trotter is shorter but heavier compared to the Standardbred trotter. Norwegian Coldblooded Trotters race over various distances from 1609-3100 meters (1-1.9 miles) and undergo resistance training (pulling heavy loads) in addition to training at speed.

Comparative information regarding the heart size of different breeds of racehorses could help in understanding the factors that predispose certain horses to atrial fibrillation. In collaboration with the Norwegian School of Veterinary Science a study was undertaken to determine the normal heart sizes of Norwegian Coldblooded Trotters. Sixty-six horses in race training were enrolled in the study. Horses were aged from 2-8 years and included mares, stallions, and geldings. All horses were examined in their normal stable environment and underwent complete ultrasound examinations of their hearts using portable ultrasound equipment. Using the data from this study, normal heart size reference values were established and the effects of age and sex were determined. Results also showed that Norwegian Coldblooded Trotters have heart sizes that are very similar to Standardbred racehorses. In addition, very small, insignificant “leaks” involving heart valves were very common, another finding that is similar to Standardbreds.

While the results of this preliminary study are limited, they provide reference values for the evaluation of Norwegian Coldblooded trotters with suspected heart disease and a platform for future comparative studies that will examine the heart rhythm during racing.

Cutting Edge Technology - Radiology Goes Wireless

Ten years ago it would have been difficult to predict the future of large animal radiography and imaging. Digital ultrasonography, CT, and MRI have caught fire and are currently available at many large animal hospitals. Radiology was the last jewel in the digital crown and advances in digital radiography have been quick to follow.

Hot off the press, New Bolton Center’s Radiology department introduced a wireless digital radiography system in early 2012. We are the first Veterinary school in the country to offer this cutting edge technology. This new technology provides higher quality images at a much lower radiation dose to the patient and the people obtaining the image. Another big advantage of this system is the elimination of a cable cord between the radiographic plate and the X-ray machine. Without the restrictive cord, there is improved mobility while taking radiographs; you can actually be as far away as 50 feet from the X-ray machine and still acquire a radiographic image!

The wireless digital radiographic system is made by Canon® which also includes new and improved software to facilitate a wide range of functions which allow the veterinarian to manipulate each radiographic image and insure the optimum quality. There are two plate sizes, the standard 11x14in and the larger 14x17in, so that we can image both large and small body parts. Radiographic images can be previewed 3 seconds after the X-ray exposure and you can take another exposure in 15 seconds which decreases the time to radiograph the animal. In addition, the system can be battery operated for as long as 6.5 hours.

A Mystery No More: Standardbred Racehorse with Heart Condition Makes Full Recovery

Mistery Woman was a promising yearling Standardbred trotter when she was purchased in the fall of 2011. As her training progressed, she began pulling up part way through faster works with an abnormally high heart rate. Her veterinarian looked for a problem with her breathing or an infection, before discovering that she had a heart arrhythmia called atrial fibrillation (Fig 1A). Atrial fibrillation occurs in horses, dogs, and people. Horses are not at risk for stroke as people are with atrial fibrillation, but they have trouble performing at maximal intensity because their heart rhythm is chaotic. Racehorses, three-day event horses, pulling horses, endurance horses, and some show jumpers can all struggle to perform if they have atrial fibrillation.

Mistery Woman presented to New Bolton Center in July for a full cardiac evaluation. These exams revealed that she was a good candidate for conversion back to normal since she did not have any leaky valves or heart enlargement. Mistery Woman was monitored closely throughout her quinidine sulfate treatment; it took approximately 7 hours to return her heart rhythm to normal (Fig 1B). A follow-up echocardiogram revealed some residual heart dysfunction, most likely from an inflammatory insult. Therefore, Mistery Woman was treated with corticosteroids, ACE inhibitors and a solid month of rest.

Mistery Woman’s owners followed the discharge instructions to the letter. A second follow-up examination revealed that her heart had recovered and she was returned to training. She won her second career start at the Delaware County Fair, setting a stakes, track and national season’s record of 1:57.2 for 2-year-old filly trotters (Fig 2). Since then Mistery Woman has improved her record to 1.53.3, winning the final division of the International Stallion Stakes at the Red Mile and her owners, trainer and driver could not be happier with her.

A History of Horseshoeing in the 19th Century United States 

A farrier has been on staff at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine since the school was established in 1884. Franz Enge, an instructor of the German Farrier School, was one of the first farriers hired by the veterinary school. Enge brought with him from Germany an assortment of horseshoes and specimens. The intriguing collection of approximately 400 artifacts forms the foundation of the University of Pennsylvania’s Podological Museum. These items have been, and are still being used to educate students on horseshoeing techniques and principles. Over the years, the collection has grown to include many unique shoes exemplifying the skills and creativity of farriers. It has also been useful in demonstrating how horses have been used through the decades, and the methods of hoof care employed to support them. The Podological Museum is located in the New Bolton Center Library and is available for viewing by appointment. Contact Pat Reilly at 610-925-6368 for more information.