Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
An accessory bypass tract masked by the presence of atrial fibrillation in a horse.
- Journal:
- Journal of veterinary cardiology : the official journal of the European Society of Veterinary Cardiology
- Year:
- 2011
- Authors:
- Jesty, Sophy A et al.
- Affiliation:
- Cornell University Hospital for Animals · United States
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
In this case, a horse was found to have an unusual heart condition called an accessory bypass tract, which was hidden by a heart rhythm problem known as atrial fibrillation. After a treatment to restore a normal heart rhythm, the horse was diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome, a condition that can be risky in people because it may lead to sudden heart issues. While the horse was deemed not safe for riding, he has been able to continue competing without any serious heart problems returning. Overall, the treatment was successful, and the horse is doing well.
Abstract
Accessory bypass tracts are rarely documented in horses. Here, we present a case of an accessory bypass tract which was initially masked by the presence of atrial fibrillation. Evidence of ventricular pre-excitation was recognized after cardioversion to normal sinus rhythm and the horse was diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome. In people, atrial fibrillation in the presence of an accessory bypass tract is considered dangerous due to the risk of sudden cardiac death. Although we did not consider this horse safe to ride, he continues to compete successfully and has not had recurrence of clinically significant tachyarrhythmias.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21324767/