Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Ventricular tachycardia and myocardial dysfunction in a horse.
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
- Year:
- 1994
- Authors:
- Traub-Dargatz, J L et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Clinical Sciences · United States
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A horse was experiencing low energy and eating less than usual, and it was found to have a serious heart condition called ventricular tachycardia, which is a fast heart rhythm that can indicate heart disease. An ultrasound of the heart showed an abnormal area in the left ventricle, suggesting that the heart wasn't working properly. The horse was treated with medications, including lidocaine, antibiotics, and aspirin, along with rest, and it improved enough to continue its career as a breeding stallion and a hunter-jumper. Unfortunately, the horse later died about 2.2 years later from a different issue, but the treatment for the heart condition was effective at the time.
Abstract
Ventricular tachycardia develops less frequently than supraventricular dysrhythmias and generally is more indicative of cardiac disease. The horse in this report had clinical signs of lethargy and hypophagia and was determined to have sustained ventricular tachycardia. Echocardiography was a valuable diagnostic tool and revealed an echodense area in the left ventricle that had subnormal ventricular performance. A primary heart problem of an inflammatory nature was suspected. The horse responded favorably to treatment with lidocaine, antimicrobials, and aspirin, as well as stall rest. The horse was used successfully as a sire and hunter-jumper after treatment, but subsequently died 2.2 years later of massive hemoperitoneum. Necropsy revealed an extensive area in the left ventricle that appeared thin and fibrotic.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7730126/