Philippine E-Journals

M-Mode Ultrasonographic Features of Cardiac Structures in Philippine Native Horses

Jezie A. Acorda | Marilee P. Prestosa

Discipline: Veterinary Medicine, Animal Science

 

Abstract:

M-mode echocardiography was conducted in six apparently healthy horses (three males and three females), 1-10 years old. Echocardiograms were recorded, amplitude and time were calculated and motion patterns and characteristics were identified. The structures on the left side of the heart showed higher amplitude of contraction than their counterpart structures on the right side. However, no differences were observed on the time of contraction between the structures of the left and right sides of the heart. No differences in M-mode patterns were observed between male and female horses. Mitral valve showed a characteristic “M” shaped pattern while tricuspid valve showed a “W” shaped motion pattern. The right ventricular wall and interventricular septum formed an eye-shaped pattern. Interventricular septum together with the left ventricular free wall formed anoblong shape similar to a series of train coaches. The interventricular septum revealed a motion pattern representing calm sea waves. The left ventricle together with the mitral valve showed a motion pattern similar to a cowboy hat. The aortic wall showed a thin hyperechoic line with slight upward notch followed by an abrupt downward slope. Interatrial septum was characterized by a single-wavy thin line pattern with a pointed peak. The right atrium was characterized by a rectangular-shaped motion pattern. The results in the present study may be used as baseline information for the diagnosis of diseases and disorders of the heart in the Philippine native horse.