The Veterinary Record, Vol 138, Issue 1, 14-16
Copyright © 1996 by British Veterinary Association

Multiple congenital cardiac anomalies and idiopathic thoracic aortitis in a horse

¹ Rural Veterinary Centre, Department of Animal Health, University of Sydney, Camden, New South Wales 2570, Australia
² Department of Veterinary Pathology, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
³ Department of Veterinary Clinical Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
⁴ Taronga Zoo, PO Box 20, Mosman, New South Wales 2088, Australia
⁵ Randwick Equine Centre, PO Box 195, Randwick, New South Wales 2031, Australia

An echocardiographical and clinical pathological investigation of the rapid loss of weight by a yearling thoroughbred filly revealed an atrial septal defect, a ventricular septal defect and hyperfibrinogenaemia. A post mortem examination confirmed the cardiac abnormalities and revealed a severe thoracic aortitis. It is proposed that the idiopathic thoracic aortitis contributed to the horse's compromised cardiovascular homoeostasis.