Vol. 9, Issue 5, Part H (2024)

Author(s): Shabnam Sidhu and Neetu Saini

Abstract: Ventricular septal defects are the most common congenital cardiac defects reported in horses. A 50 days old foal (Nukra) was presented to the large animal clinics, GADVASU, Ludhiana with a primary complaint of exercise intolerance and shortness of breath. Physical examination, revealed normal vital parameters but the mucus membrane appeared slightly cyanotic. Clinical examination revealed tachypnoea and tachycardia with a thoracic thrill over the left side of the chest. Lung sounds were normal upon lung auscultation. In the right parasternal short axis view, a large subaortic VSD was observed which was seen overriding the RV more than 80%. Color Doppler ultrasound revealed blood flow pattern through the patent ductus arteriosus. The presence of a loud murmur, tachycardia/tachypnoea along with cyanotic mucus membranes in a neonatal foal should always warrant a thorough cardiac evaluation for any congenital cardiac defects.