Biometry of the myocardial bridges in mules (Equus caballys x Equus asinus – Linnaeus 1758)

Abstract

The present study aimed to investigate the frequency, width and localization, especially as regards the position and vessel localization, of the myocardial bridges over the ventricular branches of the left and right coronary arteries in mules, through biometric analyses. This information can assist in the understanding of cardiac diseases, especially those associated with animal coronary circulation, and may help to explain the importance and functionality of the myocardial bridges in animals. Mules (n = 30) were used as a model because they are often subjected to exhausting traction exercises. Myocardial bridges were found in 76.6% of the hearts. The number of myocardial bridges ranged from one to seven, and they were most frequently found in the apical portion of the heart (37.5%) and in equal frequency on the branches of the left and right coronary arteries.

Keywords

• biometry
• heart
• mules
• myocardial bridges