Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in racehorses.
- Journal:
- Equine veterinary journal
- Year:
- 1986
- Authors:
- Holmes, J R et al.
Plain-English summary
This study looked at five racehorses that developed a heart condition called atrial fibrillation after racing. In four of the horses, the condition went away on its own within a day, so it was considered temporary. However, the fifth horse, which won its race, had the condition for at least 45 hours, making it a more serious case. This horse was treated with a medication called quinidine sulphate, which successfully restored its normal heart rhythm. The findings suggest that temporary atrial fibrillation could be a reason why a horse suddenly performs poorly in a race.
Abstract
The paper describes five cases of atrial fibrillation detected after racing. In four of them, the arrhythmia disappeared spontaneously within 24 h and they were regarded as paroxysmal in type. In the fifth case, which won its race, the arrhythmia persisted for at least 45 h after racing. It was therefore regarded as an example of persistent atrial fibrillation. It was then treated with quinidine sulphate which restored sinus rhythm. It would seem that paroxysmal atrial fibrillation may be a cause of sudden decrease in racing performance.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3948829/