Re: RC: Thumps

[Jim Holland <lanconn@tds.net>]

Carolyn..

"Thumps", for which the technical name is "Synchronous Diaphragmatic
Flutter" is a condition where the horse's diaphram contracts or "thumps"
in time with the horse's hearbeat.  You can see it visibly on the
horse's flank just in front of his hind legs.  This is sometimes called
"Horse Hiccups", and is not normally considered life threatening.  It is
generally thought to be caused by an electrolyte imbalance, and seems to
appear most often in horses that are nervous, stressed, upset, etc.. and
generally don't take care of themselves during strenuous exercise; i.e.
Endurance Rides.  This is a "pull" condition, because it indicates
extreme stress and metabolic problems which are not in the horse's best
interest.

That's why, IMHO, I want a horse who is really laid back, comfortable
with himself, and has seen lots of things and been lots of places before
I put him out there in all that stress.  Endurance is difficult and hard
on hyper horses.

Jim and Sun of Dimanche

Carolyn Burgess wrote:
> 
> I'm new to this and have heard about thumps, but can anyone explain,
> physiologically, what thumps is and the mechanism that causes it?
> Also, are certain types of horses prone to it?  Thanks,
> 
> Carolyn Burgess
> 
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