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Home / Equine Research Bank / Acta Vet Scand / Cardiac arrhythmias and electrolyte disturbances in colic ho...
Acta veterinaria Scandinavica2014; 56(1); 58; doi: 10.1186/s13028-014-0058-y

Cardiac arrhythmias and electrolyte disturbances in colic horses.

Abstract: Despite increased focus on cardiac arrhythmias in horses, the nature and prevalence is still poorly described. Case reports suggest that arrhythmias occurring secondary to systemic disease are seen more commonly in the clinic than arrhythmias caused by cardiac disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of arrhythmias in colic horses referred for hospital treatment. Associations between electrolyte disturbances and arrhythmias were also investigated. Results: Heart rate was 37.4 ± 3.7 bpm in the control group, and 51.6 ± 11.8 bpm, in the colic group, which was significantly different (P < 0.0001). AV blocks and SVPCs were found in both groups, however only colic horses showed VPCs. No significant difference between the two groups was found for AV blocks, SVPCs, and VPCs (P = 0.08 - 0.76). The mean levels of potassium, sodium, ionized calcium, and chloride were significantly lower in the colic group compared to the control group at admission. Mean levels of glucose and L-lactate were significantly elevated in the colic group (P < 0.05). Conclusions: This study describes prevalence of cardiac arrhythmias and electrolytes concentrations in colic horses compared to healthy controls. Although we only observed VPCs in the colic horses, no significant differences between colic horses and controls were found. Despite the colic horses having electrolyte changes at admission no correlation was found between the electrolyte disturbances and cardiac arrhythmias. Although no clear conclusions can be drawn from the present study, the results indicate that relatively mild colic per se is not pro-arrhythmogenic, whereas severe colic probably are more likely to result in ventricular arrhythmia.
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Publication Date: 2014-10-02 PubMed ID: 25274423PubMed Central: PMC4189753DOI: 10.1186/s13028-014-0058-yGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research paper studies the prevalence of cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat) in horses suffering from colic (abdominal pain) and any potential association with electrolyte disturbances. The study shows no significant correlation between cardiac arrhythmias and electrolyte disturbances, and also suggests that mild colic may not lead to irregular heartbeat, while severe colic might.

Objectives and Methodology

  • The primary aim of the research was to understand the frequency of cardiac arrhythmias in horses suffering from colic who were referred for hospital treatment.
  • Furthermore, it sought to examine potential links between electrolyte disturbances and these arrhythmias.
  • The study was conducted on a control group and a group of colic-affected horses. Heart rates and types of arrhythmias such as AV blocks, SVPCs, and VPCs in these horses were monitored and compared.
  • Also, electrolyte concentrations, including levels of potassium, sodium, ionized calcium, and chloride, as well as glucose and L-lactate, were studied and compared between the two groups.

Results and Findings

  • The average heart rate of the colic group was significantly higher than the control group.
  • While AV blocks and SVPCs were observed in both groups, only the colic-affected horses exhibited VPCs. However, statistically, no significant difference between the two groups was found for any type of arrhythmia.
  • The colic group showed significantly lower electrolyte concentrations at the time of admission when compared with the control horses.
  • Likewise, levels of glucose and L-lactate were considerably higher in the colic group.

Conclusions

  • Based on these results, the study describes the prevalence of cardiac arrhythmias and electrolyte levels in horses with colic when compared to healthy controls.
  • Despite differences in heart rate and electrolyte concentrations, the study found no significant correlation between these variables and cardiac arrhythmias.
  • The evidence suggests that while mild colic may not trigger irregular heartbeats, severe colic might have a greater propensity to cause ventricular arrhythmias. However, further research is needed for a conclusive understanding.

Cite This Article

APA
Hesselkilde EZ, Almind ME, Petersen J, Flethøj M, Præstegaard KF, Buhl R. (2014). Cardiac arrhythmias and electrolyte disturbances in colic horses. Acta Vet Scand, 56(1), 58. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13028-014-0058-y

Publication

Acta veterinaria Scandinavica
ISSN: 1751-0147
NlmUniqueID: 0370400
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 56
Issue: 1
Pages: 58

Researcher Affiliations

Hesselkilde, Eva Z
    Almind, Mette E
      Petersen, Jesper
        Flethøj, Mette
          Præstegaard, Kirstine F
            Buhl, Rikke

              MeSH Terms

              • Animals
              • Arrhythmias, Cardiac / complications
              • Arrhythmias, Cardiac / epidemiology
              • Arrhythmias, Cardiac / veterinary
              • Colic / complications
              • Colic / veterinary
              • Electrolytes / blood
              • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
              • Horses

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