Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Horse with heart rhythm problems - what to know
By Button, C et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·1980·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Multiple atrial dysrhythmias in a horse.
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A 5-year-old Quarter Horse gelding developed several heart rhythm problems, including fast heartbeats and irregular heartbeats. The medications quinidine and propranolol did not help to restore a normal heart rhythm, but digoxin did manage to bring it back temporarily. Unfortunately, the horse's heart rhythm returned to being abnormal after a while. When the horse was examined after death, the vets found pale areas in the heart that showed signs of damage and scarring in the heart muscle. Overall, the treatments did not lead to a lasting improvement in the horse's condition.
Abstract
A variety of atrial dysrhythmias including paroxysmal atrial tachycardia, atrial tachycardia with 2nd-grade atrioventricular block, atrial fibrillation, and atrial flutter developed in a 5-year-old Quarter Horse gelding. Quinidine and propranolol were not successful in restoring normal sinus rhythm. Sinus rhythm was re-established during digoxin therapy, but later reverted to atrial dysrhythmia. At necropsy, multiple, discrete pale areas were found on both atria and the interatrial myocardium. Histologic examination of these lesions demonstrated myocytolysis and replacement by fibrous connective tissue.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7440368/