Cardiology

Cardiac Imaging

Echocardiography (cardiac ultrasound) is used to assess the cause and significance of heart murmurs, cardiac size and cardiac function. From this, our clinicians can formulate prognosis, effects on performance and treatment recommendations. This can include heart murmurs detected on routine evaluation, pre-purchase evaluations, horses with poor performance, horses undergoing sedation or anesthetic procedures, and horses with illness and or signs of heart failure. We are fortunate to have state-of-the-art echocardiographic equipment capable of imaging up to 30 cm depth (required for horses). We have multiple cardiac probes to best assess even our smallest large animal patients.

• Echocardiography (heart ultrasound)
  • B mode and M- Mode Imaging
  • Color and Power Doppler
  • CW/PW Doppler
  • EchoPACS cardiac imaging software for advanced analysis
  • Array of pediatric and adult probes
• Electrocardiography (EKG)

Arrhythmias and Atrial Fibrillation

Arrhythmias can be benign, performance limiting, of safety concern or life threatening. Our team is skilled in the analysis and treatment of cardiac arrythmias, including those detected during exercise or contributing to poor performance. Atrial fibrillation is the most common performance limiting arrhythmia and has safety implications in submaximally exercising horses. New Bolton has extensive experience performing transvenous electrical cardioversion (TVEC) for atrial fibrillation. Conversion of atrial fibrillation using Quinidine Sulfate has become quite limited at this time.  Horses are closely monitored with recorded and real time radiotelemetric electrocardiography throughout the cardioversion procedure or any anti-arrhythmic therapy.

Electrocardiographic monitoring

Holter Monitor

24- hour Holter monitor: As inventory allows, Holter monitors can be sent out and placed on the horse at the farm by the client’s veterinarian for the continuous recording of electrocardiogram (EKG). Once returned to New Bolton Center, the Holter data is analyzed and reported within 5-7 business days excluding holidays.  Referring veterinarians may call 610-925-6190 for questions; to order a monitor please go to: https://wkf.ms/3RZCyBm

Televet units are also available for send out service (inventory permitting) The Televet can be placed on the horse at the farm by the client’s veterinarian for the recording of electrocardiogram and exercising EKG. Once returned to New Bolton Center, the Televet data is analyzed and reported within 5-7 business days excluding holidays. Referring veterinarians may call 610-925-6190 for questions; to order a monitor please go to : https://wkf.ms/3RZCyBm

Please note Holter and Telemetry devices can only be sent to veterinarian with a valid client patient relationship to that patient and New Bolton Center communication is directly with the requesting veterinarian.

Cardiac Troponin I (CTnI)

Troponin I is aa cardiac muscle protein released during myocardial injury and stress. Measurement of CTnI aid in the evaluation of suspected heart muscle injury and can be an integral part of the cardiac workup.  Referring veterinarians may send frozen or chilled plasma samples from their patients to the Cardiology Service of Sports Medicine for cTnI and expect results on the date of sample receipt. Please avoid shipping on weekends or holidays. For handling and submission instructions, please go to: Cardiac Troponin Order FORM