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Cardiac Arrhythmias in the horse.

Abstract: Electrocardiograms were obtained from normal horses and from horses with cardiac or other organic disease that affected the cardiac rhythm. Tracings were obtained from a base-apex bipolar monitor lead, with the negative electrode attached to the skin in the right jugular furrow and the positive electrode attached to the skin on the ventral medline, beneath the apex of the heart. Each arrhythmia was discussed relative to importance and probable cause.
Publication Date: 1977-01-15 PubMed ID: 64466
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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 study is about investigating cardiac arrhythmias in horses using electrocardiograms, specifically how diseases affect the cardiac rhythm of the animal.

Methodology

  • The study used electrocardiograms (ECGs) to examine the heart rhythms of horses.
  • Two groups of horses were studied: those which were perfectly healthy (normal horses), and those suffering from cardiac disease or other kinds of organic disease which could potentially impact their heart rhythm.
  • The ECG tracings were retrieved using a base-apex bipolar monitor lead. This involves placing the negative electrode on the skin in the horse’s right jugular furrow and the positive electrode on the skin beneath the apex of the heart.

Analysis of cardiac arrhythmias

  • Each recorded arrhythmia from the horses was critically analyzed and discussed in the research.
  • Researchers looked at the significance of each diagnosed arrhythmia and its probable cause, making this a comprehensive look at what factors might cause changes in a horse’s heart rhythm.
  • Presumably, the arrhythmias in horses with cardiac or organic diseases were compared to those of the normal horses, providing a better understanding of the impact of such diseases on a horse’s heart function.

Significance of the study

  • This study can provide valuable findings on the effect of different types of diseases on cardiac rhythm in horses. Such knowledge can be instrumental in veterinary medicine, particularly in better diagnosing and treating horses suffering from heart conditions.
  • The use of electrocardiograms in examining horses’ heart rhythm issues can also pave the way for similar studies on other animals, potentially driving advancements in veterinary cardiology.

Cite This Article

APA
Hilwig RW. (1977). Cardiac Arrhythmias in the horse. J Am Vet Med Assoc, 170(2), 153-163.

Publication

ISSN: 0003-1488
NlmUniqueID: 7503067
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 170
Issue: 2
Pages: 153-163

Researcher Affiliations

Hilwig, R W

    MeSH Terms

    • Animals
    • Arrhythmias, Cardiac / physiopathology
    • Arrhythmias, Cardiac / veterinary
    • Atrial Fibrillation / physiopathology
    • Atrial Fibrillation / veterinary
    • Cardiac Complexes, Premature / physiopathology
    • Cardiac Complexes, Premature / veterinary
    • Electrocardiography / veterinary
    • Female
    • Heart Block / physiopathology
    • Heart Block / veterinary
    • Heart Rate
    • Heart Ventricles / physiopathology
    • Horse Diseases / physiopathology
    • Horses
    • Male
    • Tachycardia / physiopathology
    • Tachycardia / veterinary

    Citations

    This article has been cited 5 times.
    1. Kenchaiwong W, Sangpo P, Kusol A, Pontaema T, Lerdweeraphon W. The position of ground electrode affects electrocardiographic parameters in horses. Vet World 2022 Apr;15(4):1107-1112.
    2. Broux B, De Clercq D, Decloedt A, Van Der Vekens N, Verheyen T, Ven S, Pardon B, van Loon G. Atrial Premature Depolarization-Induced Changes in QRS and T Wave Morphology on Resting Electrocardiograms in Horses. J Vet Intern Med 2016 Jul;30(4):1253-9.
      doi: 10.1111/jvim.13957pubmed: 27209267google scholar: lookup
    3. Brightling P, Townsend HG. Atrial fibrillation in ten cows. Can Vet J 1983 Nov;24(11):331-4.
      pubmed: 17422324
    4. Deroth L, Therien A. Electrode-saddle for electrocardiogram recording in large animals. Can Vet J 1978 Sep;19(9):248-9.
      pubmed: 709501
    5. McCrae P, Spong H, Moorehead J, Pearson W. Validation of a smart textile device for long-duration heart rate variability and detection of physiological arrhythmias in resting horses. BMC Vet Res 2025 Nov 19;21(1):675.
      doi: 10.1186/s12917-025-05120-0pubmed: 41257881google scholar: lookup