Thumps is a condition that occurs in
horse
The horse (''Equus ferus caballus'') is a domesticated, one-toed, hoofed mammal. It belongs to the taxonomic family Equidae and is one of two extant subspecies of ''Equus ferus''. The horse has evolved over the past 45 to 55 mi ...
s where there is an irregular spasming of the
diaphragm
Diaphragm may refer to:
Anatomy
* Thoracic diaphragm, a thin sheet of muscle between the thorax and the abdomen
* Pelvic diaphragm or pelvic floor, a pelvic structure
* Urogenital diaphragm or triangular ligament, a pelvic structure
Other
* Diap ...
,
usually caused by dehydration due to fluid loss and related abnormal
electrolyte levels, most often
blood calcium
Calcium ions (Ca2+) contribute to the physiology and biochemistry of organisms' cell (biology), cells. They play an important role in signal transduction pathways, where they act as a second messenger, in neurotransmitter release from neurons, i ...
. It is similar to
hiccup
A hiccup (scientific name singultus, from Latin for "sob, hiccup"; also spelled hiccough) is an spasm, involuntary contraction (myoclonic jerk) of the diaphragm (anatomy), diaphragm that may repeat several times per minute. The hiccup is an in ...
s, but in horses it usually has a more serious underlying cause than in the corresponding human condition. Another condition that can cause thumps is
diarrhea
Diarrhea (American English), also spelled diarrhoea or diarrhœa (British English), is the condition of having at least three loose, liquid, or watery bowel movements in a day. It often lasts for a few days and can result in dehydration d ...
.
For that reason, a case of thumps requires immediate veterinary attention. It is most often seen in horses used for
endurance riding
Endurance riding is an equestrian sport based on controlled long-distance races. It is one of the international competitions recognized by the FEI. There are endurance rides worldwide. Endurance rides can be any distance, though they are rar ...
but also occurs in other equine athletes. Clinical signs include sound coming from the horse's abdomen, which also can be seen contracting with the animal's heartbeat, but at rates of 40-50 times per minute. The condition was first identified by a veterinarian in 1831.
References
{{veterinary-med-stub
Horse diseases