Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Type-II renal tubular acidosis and ventricular tachycardia in a horse.
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
- Year:
- 1998
- Authors:
- MacLeay, J M & Wilson, J H
- Affiliation:
- Department of Clinical and Population Sciences · United States
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A 14-year-old Arabian mare was brought in because she was very tired, had stopped eating, and was producing less manure than usual. After running tests and examining her, the veterinarians found she had type-II renal tubular acidosis (a condition affecting how the kidneys handle acids), a blockage in her large intestine, and a fast heart rhythm called ventricular tachycardia. They treated her with fluids, sodium bicarbonate, and other medications, which helped improve her condition and resolved the heart issue. However, she had several setbacks linked to not eating enough and not taking her bicarbonate, and sadly, she passed away two months after leaving the hospital.
Abstract
A 14-year-old Arabian mare was admitted for lethargy, anorexia, and low fecal output. On the basis of laboratory, physical examination, and electrocardiographic findings, diagnoses of type-II renal tubular acidosis (RTA), impaction of the large colon, and ventricular tachycardia were made. Diagnosis of type-II RTA was based on measurement of a low fractional excretion value for potassium and fractional excretion value for sodium within the reference range. In contrast, horses with type-I RTA have high fractional excretion values for sodium and fractional excretion values for potassium within reference ranges. Treatment consisted of intravenous and oral administration of sodium bicarbonate, intravenous administration of fluids, and oral administration of mineral oil and docusate sodium. Acidosis improved, and ventricular tachycardia resolved with resolution of acidosis. Oral administration of bicarbonate was continued after discharge. The mare had several relapses, which were associated with anorexia and low intake of supplemental bicarbonate. The mare was found dead 2 months after discharge.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9604032/