Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and clinically reversible cor pulmonale in a horse with complicated recurrent airway obstruction.
- Journal:
- Tierarztliche Praxis. Ausgabe G, Grosstiere/Nutztiere
- Year:
- 2015
- Authors:
- Hanka, J et al.
- Affiliation:
- Dr. Julia Hanka
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
This case involves a horse that developed a heart condition called paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, which means the heart was beating irregularly, along with cor pulmonale, a problem with the heart caused by lung issues. The horse had a severe flare-up of recurrent airway obstruction (RAO), a condition that affects breathing, for two days. After careful examination and treatment, the horse showed improvement, suggesting that even serious heart issues related to breathing problems can often be treated successfully in horses.
Abstract
Cor pulmonale is considered an uncommon complication in horses with recurrent airway obstruction (RAO). This case report describes the history, clinical and further examination findings, treatment, progression and outcome of a horse diagnosed with cor pulmonale and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation of 2 days duration due to a severe exacerbation of RAO. To our best knowledge, this is the first report of RAO induced pulmonary hypertension in a horse causing atrial fibrillation. However, even severe cardiac changes due to respiratory dysfunction seem to be largely reversible in horses.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25799435/