Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Foal with blue gums and fast breathing - rare heart issue found
By Seco Diaz, Olga et al.·Published in Veterinary radiology & ultrasound : the official journal of the American College of Veterinary Radiology and the International Veterinary Radiology Association·2005·Department of Clinical Studies, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection in a foal.
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
An 8-day-old colt, a mix of Arabian and Morgan breeds, was evaluated for heart issues. He showed signs of a fast heartbeat, rapid breathing, difficulty exercising, a noticeable heart murmur on the right side, and blue-tinged gums and tongue, which indicated a lack of oxygen. A special ultrasound of the heart revealed a rare heart defect called total anomalous pulmonary venous connection, where the veins that should carry oxygen-rich blood to the heart are not connected properly. Unfortunately, this condition was confirmed after the foal passed away, and it has not been previously reported in horses.
Abstract
An 8-day-old Arabian-Morgan cross colt underwent cardiac evaluation. The foal was tachycardic, tachypneic, exercise intolerant and had a loud right-sided heart murmur and cyanotic mucous membranes. Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection was diagnosed with echocardiography and confirmed at postmortem examination. Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection is a very rare congenital cardiac abnormality that has not been reported before in the horse.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15693567/