Precordium in pets
The precordium in pets is palpated by placing the palm and fingers of each hand on the corresponding side of the animal’s chest wall over the heart. Normally, the strongest impulse is felt during systole over the area of the left apex (located at approximately the left fifth intercostal space near the costochondral junction). Cardiomegaly or a space-occupying mass within the chest can shift the precordial impulse to an abnormal location. Decreased intensity of the precordial impulse can be caused by obesity, weak cardiac contractions, pericardial effusion, intrathoracic masses, pleural effusion, or pneumothorax.
The precordial impulse should be stronger on the left chest wall than on the right. A stronger right precordial impulse can result from right ventricular hypertrophy or displacement of the heart into the right hemithorax by a mass lesion, lung atelectasis, or chest deformity. Very loud cardiac murmurs cause palpable vibrations on the chest wall known as a precordial thrill. This feels like a buzzing sensation on the hand. A precordial thrill is usually localized to the area of maximal intensity of the murmur.
We would love to hear your pet's story. Please add a comment.
The precordial impulse should be stronger on the left chest wall than on the right. A stronger right precordial impulse can result from right ventricular hypertrophy or displacement of the heart into the right hemithorax by a mass lesion, lung atelectasis, or chest deformity. Very loud cardiac murmurs cause palpable vibrations on the chest wall known as a precordial thrill. This feels like a buzzing sensation on the hand. A precordial thrill is usually localized to the area of maximal intensity of the murmur.
We would love to hear your pet's story. Please add a comment.
MORE VETERINARY ARTICLES
-
The strength and regularity of the peripheral arterial pressure waves and the pulse rate are assessed by palpation of the femoral or other p...
-
System venous and right heart filling pressures are reflected at the jugular veins in dogs and cats . These veins should not be distended wh...
-
Pulmonary contusion in dogs and cats is caused by blunt trauma and is a common finding in animals that have been hit by cars. Hemorrhage in...
-
Renal enlargement is usually detected by physical examination or by abdominal radiography or by ultrasonography . A quick rule of thumb is ...
-
Mucous membrane color and capillary refill time (CRT) are used to estimate the adequacy of peripheral perfusion. Normally the oral membranes...
-
Thoracic auscultation in dogs and cats is used to identify normal heart sounds, determine the presence or absence of abnormal sounds, asses...
-
Signs and symptoms of syncope in dogs and cats . Cardiac output often becomes inadequate in animals with heart disease or heart failure , e...
-
Canine Leukemia | Leukemia in Dogs In dog leukemias constitute fewer than 10% of all hemolymphatic neoplasms and are therefore consider...
-
Dog Names Give a name to your dog The name you will choose for your dog is tied to your personality. It reflects the relationship you w...
-
The same general mechanisms that cause edema elsewhere in the body cause edema in the pulmonary parenchyma. Major mechanisms are decreased ...
