heart murmur

[natwood7]

When my vet listened to my horses heart a while ago he heard a slight murmur. This was pronounced after exercise and just noticable when at rest. This is not something that has ever been noticed before in the 8 years I have owned the horse. They think that it is due to my horse being very fit this year (we have started eventing since Feb) and said not to worry but to keep an eye on it. Has anyone had a similar experience with TBs/TBx who are very fit??

[mrsew]

Hi Charmer1, did your vet give you any indication of how they would grade the murmur (normally graded 1 -5). Other than keeping 'an eye' on it did they not suggest having your horse scanned & an ECG? Heart Murmurs are quite common in TBs but I would have thought your vet should have given you a bit more guideance especially as you are eventing.

[bailey14]

Was second degree heart block mentioned at all by your vet?

[natwood7]

Hi, Thanks for your replies - No she didn't give any grading, although I would assume it is very low grade from what she was saying. She described it more of a louder noise caused by heart being large/fit rather than an abnormal sound?!
A second degree heart block was not mentioned at all..what is this?

[bailey14]

second degree heart block is impairment of conduction of an impulse in heart excitation; it is subclassified as first degree when conduction time is prolonged, second degree (partial heart b.) when some atrial impulses are not conducted, and third degree (complete heart b.) when no atrial impulses are conducted; the term and its subcategories are often used specifically for atrioventricular block.
http://www.thehorse.com/pdf/factshee...logy/heart.pdf

My horse has second degree heart block but it is of no real significance other than I have to be careful not to give him certain drugs like Trimedazine as this is not suitable for use in horse who have cardiac arythmia. It is classed as a form of cardiac arythmia. When the horse is rested it is not present, but when the horse works or is excitated then he misses a beat. It is quite common. It is worse if it is third degree heart block which is different. I think maybe this is what your vet could have been referring to??

[natwood7]

Hi, thanks for that applecart, I will get the vet to have another listen next time they are around and I will mention what you have said. I am happy that they are not concerned but I would like to know what exactly the problem is.