Evaluation of age-dependent changes of myocardial velocity using pulsed wave and colour tissue Doppler imaging in adult warmblood horses

Electrocardiographic and Echocardiographic Parameters in Pega Breed Donkeys: A Descriptive Study

Clinical, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic parameters in Pega donkeys are scarce in the literature; hence, this study was performed to describe the echocardiographic and electrocardiographic measurements in Pega breed donkeys. The objectives of this study were to describe and illustrate the clinical, electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic parameters in Pega donkeys used for reproduction. Fifty Pega breed donkeys were evaluated, with an average age of 3.4 years and with 20 males and 30 females. In each animal, the electrocardiographic examination at rest was performed using the TEB^® computerized system, and the echocardiographic examination was performed using an ultrasound device with a Doppler function multifrequency sectorial transducer in 2D mode (Sonosite^® M turbo). Standardizing the electrocardiographic and echocardiographic parameters for the Pega breed donkey can contribute to future assessments regarding possible changes that excessive effort can promote in these parameters to a management engrossed on animal welfare.

Preliminary study on the effects of pergolide on left ventricular function in the horses with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction

BACKGROUND

Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), a neurodegenerative disease leading to reduced dopamine production, is a common disease in aged horses. The treatment is based on administration of the dopamine agonist pergolide. This drug has been related to valvular fibrosis in humans, but the cardiovascular effect of this drug has not yet been investigated in horses.

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether pergolide induces valvular disease in horses or affects the cardiac function.

METHODS

Standard, tissue Doppler (TDE) and two-dimensional speckle tracking (STE) echocardiography were performed in horses with diagnosed PPID based on adrenocorticotropic hormone dosage. Measurements taken in horses treated with pergolide were compared with those from untreated horses with nonparametric t-tests. Furthermore, measurements from follow-up examinations performed at least three months after the initial exam were compared with a Wilcoxon signed rank test for repeated measurements in each group.

RESULTS

Twenty-three horses were included. None of the 12 horses under treatment developed valvular regurgitation. Furthermore, no differences in the measurements of the left ventricular systolic or diastolic function could be seen between the group of horses with treatment and those without treatment. Measurements taken in the follow-up exam did not differ compared to those taken in the initial exam in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

No changes of the left ventricular function assessed by TDE and STE could be shown in a small population of horses with confirmed PPID. Treatment with pergolide did not affect the ventricular function nor induce valvular disease.

Age-related differences in blood pressure, ultrasound-derived arterial diameters and arterial wall stiffness parameters in horses

BACKGROUND

Arterial rupture mainly affects older horses. The reason why older horses are more prone to arterial rupture and which underlying vascular changes predispose older horses to aortic rupture is still unclear.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the effect of ageing on the equine arterial wall and blood pressure.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study.

METHODS

Non-invasive blood pressure measurement using a tail cuff and vascular ultrasound from aorta, common carotid artery and external iliac artery was performed in 50 healthy young (3-7 years) and 50 healthy old Warmblood horses (>18 years). Arterial diameters and cross-sectional areas, and arterial wall thickness were measured offline. Regional arterial wall stiffness of the aorta and common carotid artery were assessed using pulse wave velocity, while lumen area/diameter change, strain, compliance and distensibility were calculated to assess local arterial wall stiffness.

RESULTS

No difference in blood pressure was found between old and young horses. All arterial dimensions and intima-media thickness of the common carotid artery were significantly larger in old horses. A significantly higher local arterial wall stiffness was found for the aorta and the caudal common carotid artery in older horses. For the external iliac artery, no significant differences in arterial wall stiffness were found. Both aortic and carotid pulse wave velocities were higher in older horses compared with younger horses.

MAIN LIMITATIONS

Blood pressure was measured non-invasively.

CONCLUSIONS

In horses, arteries stiffen with age, in combination with luminal enlargement and arterial wall thickening. This might, at least partially, explain the increased incidence of arterial rupture in older horses.