## Overview A ventricular septal defect is a congenital hole between the left and right ventricles and the most common congenital heart defect in horses. A loud holosystolic murmur is typical. Small defects are often well tolerated and allow moderate work. Large defects cause exercise intolerance and can lead to heart failure. ## Causes Congenital. ## Diagnosis Auscultation and echocardiography. ## Treatment None for small, uncomplicated defects. Management of heart failure if it develops. Affected horses should not be bred. ## Recovery and Prognosis Good for small defects. Poor for large ones causing failure. ## Prevention Do not breed affected horses.
loud holosystolic murmur; exercise intolerance if large; may be well tolerated if small
## Overview A ventricular septal defect is a congenital hole between the left and right ventricles and the most common congenital heart defect in horses. A loud holosystolic murmur is typical. Small defects are often well tolerated and allow moderate work. Large defects cause exercise intolerance and can lead to heart failure. ## Causes Congenital. ## Diagnosis Auscultation and echocardiography. ## Treatment None for small, uncomplicated defects. Management of heart failure if it develops. Affected horses should not be bred. ## Recovery and Prognosis Good for small defects. Poor for large ones causing failure. ## Prevention Do not breed affected horses.
loud holosystolic murmur; exercise intolerance if large; may be well tolerated if small