Variations in haematological and biochemical parameters in healthy ponies.

Background: Breed specific reference ranges for selected blood parameters are recommended for proper interpretation of blood tests, but there are only few reports dealing with ponies. The purpose of this study was to investigate if blood parameters differ among ponies' classes and to check if general normal values for equine species are applicable to ponies.

Results: All, except total protein concentration, biochemical parameter significantly (p < 0.

Quadricuspid aortic valve and a ventricular septal defect in a horse.

Background: Quadricuspid aortic valve (QAV) and ventricular septal defect (VSD) are congenital heart defects and have been described in both human and veterinary medical literature.

Case Presentation: A 5-year-old half-bred bay stallion was referred for surgical castration. Cardiac murmurs were heard on the presurgical clinical examination and the cardiac examination revealed subcutaneous oedema, tachycardia with a precodrial thrill and a grade 5/6 pansystolic murmur, which was heard on auscultation of the right and left side of the chest.