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Synchronous Diaphragmatic Flutter (view source)
Revision as of 14:54, 24 July 2011
, 14:54, 24 July 2011Created page with "Also known as: '''''SDF — Thumps — Exhausted horse syndrome''''' ==Introduction== Synchronous diaphragmatic flutter is a condition characterised by '''unilateral or bilatera..."
Also known as: '''''SDF — Thumps — Exhausted horse syndrome'''''
==Introduction==
Synchronous diaphragmatic flutter is a condition characterised by '''unilateral or bilateral contraction of the horse's diaphragm'''. It results from electrolyte losses that occur during '''physical exertion''' or from '''hypocalcaemic tetany''' or hypocalcaemia secondary to blister beetle toxicosis.
This syndrome is often seen in horses participating in competitive '''trail and endurance races''' or on long-distance rides.
A decrease in the plasma calcium, chloride and/or potassium concentration, or a body deficit of these electrolytes, '''sensitises the phrenic nerve to the depolarising electrical activity of the adjacent myocardium'''. Therefore the involuntary diaphragmatic contraction and "thump" are '''synchronous with the heartbeat''' and not with the breathing cycle.
This can occur during or following physical exertion, severe diarrhoea or colic, or following prolonged surgery and anaesthesia.
==Clinical signs==
Pathognomonic clinical signs include: '''sudden bilateral or unilateral movement of the horse's flanks''' (and sometimes hindlimbs) each time the heart beats. The "thump" can usually be '''heard or palpated over the thorax or flanks'''.
==Diagnosis==
The clinical signs are very suggestive.
Typical '''biochemical abnormalities''' include: '''hypoglycaemia''', increased fatty acid concentrations, '''hyponatraemia, hypochloraemia, hypokalaemia, hypocalcaemia, hypomagnesaemia and hyperphosphataemia'''.
Blood lactate and Creatine Kinase might be moderately elevated.
'''Dehydration''' might also be observed.
==Treatment==
Prevention and treatment include the '''replacement of the depleted electrolytes'''.
If the condition is severe, 20 to 100 litres of '''isotonic''' or slightly hypertonic fluids '''supplemented in calcium, potassium and glucose''' should be given intravenously over 24 hours.
In less severe cases, electrolytes and glucose can be given orally, possibly via '''nasogastric intubation'''.
The response to treatment is usually '''rapid''' and thus supports the diagnosis.
'''Prognosis is favourable''' although horses should be '''rested for 7-10 days'''.
In endurance horses, prevention of the condition includes '''supplementation of electrolytes in the feed or water'''.
==References==
McGorum, B. (2007) '''Equine respiratory medicine and surgery''' ''Elsevier Health Sciences''
Stashak, T. (2002) '''Adams' Lameness in Horses''' ''Wiley-Blackwell''
[[Category:To Do - Helen]]
[[Category:To Do - Review]]
==Introduction==
Synchronous diaphragmatic flutter is a condition characterised by '''unilateral or bilateral contraction of the horse's diaphragm'''. It results from electrolyte losses that occur during '''physical exertion''' or from '''hypocalcaemic tetany''' or hypocalcaemia secondary to blister beetle toxicosis.
This syndrome is often seen in horses participating in competitive '''trail and endurance races''' or on long-distance rides.
A decrease in the plasma calcium, chloride and/or potassium concentration, or a body deficit of these electrolytes, '''sensitises the phrenic nerve to the depolarising electrical activity of the adjacent myocardium'''. Therefore the involuntary diaphragmatic contraction and "thump" are '''synchronous with the heartbeat''' and not with the breathing cycle.
This can occur during or following physical exertion, severe diarrhoea or colic, or following prolonged surgery and anaesthesia.
==Clinical signs==
Pathognomonic clinical signs include: '''sudden bilateral or unilateral movement of the horse's flanks''' (and sometimes hindlimbs) each time the heart beats. The "thump" can usually be '''heard or palpated over the thorax or flanks'''.
==Diagnosis==
The clinical signs are very suggestive.
Typical '''biochemical abnormalities''' include: '''hypoglycaemia''', increased fatty acid concentrations, '''hyponatraemia, hypochloraemia, hypokalaemia, hypocalcaemia, hypomagnesaemia and hyperphosphataemia'''.
Blood lactate and Creatine Kinase might be moderately elevated.
'''Dehydration''' might also be observed.
==Treatment==
Prevention and treatment include the '''replacement of the depleted electrolytes'''.
If the condition is severe, 20 to 100 litres of '''isotonic''' or slightly hypertonic fluids '''supplemented in calcium, potassium and glucose''' should be given intravenously over 24 hours.
In less severe cases, electrolytes and glucose can be given orally, possibly via '''nasogastric intubation'''.
The response to treatment is usually '''rapid''' and thus supports the diagnosis.
'''Prognosis is favourable''' although horses should be '''rested for 7-10 days'''.
In endurance horses, prevention of the condition includes '''supplementation of electrolytes in the feed or water'''.
==References==
McGorum, B. (2007) '''Equine respiratory medicine and surgery''' ''Elsevier Health Sciences''
Stashak, T. (2002) '''Adams' Lameness in Horses''' ''Wiley-Blackwell''
[[Category:To Do - Helen]]
[[Category:To Do - Review]]