Poor Performance

When a horse is performing poorly or showing exercise intolerance, it can sometimes be difficult to determine why that horse’s performance has declined. It is important to take a systematic approach, which includes a good history and thorough physical examination.

Diagnostic aids

• Lameness examination
• Blood tests A complete blood cell count, plasma fibrinogen concentration and plasma enzyme values can sometimes be helpful in determining why a horse is performing poorly. Care must be taken to not over interpret mild changes in blood test results.
• Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL or lungwash)
• Transtracheal wash
• Endoscopy
• ECG
• Telemetry
• Holter monitor
• Diagnostic imaging
  
  
  • X-rays
  • Nuclear scintigraphy
  • Ultrasound
• Gastroscopy
• Treadmill exercise testing The treadmill can be used to evaluate the significance of findings such as heart murmurs or abnormal BAL findings. It can also be useful to look for exercise-induced arrhythmias of the heart.

Page authorised by Head of Institute, Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences
Last updated on Friday 10 January 2010