Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in racehorses.
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.
Publication Date: 1986-01-01 PubMed ID: 3948829DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1986.tb03533.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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- Case Reports
- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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The research article examines five instances of atrial fibrillation in racehorses, identifying paroxysmal atrial fibrillation as a potential reason behind unexpected drops in racing performance.
Article Overview
The study focuses on five racehorses that suffered atrial fibrillation following a race. For four of these horses, the arrhythmia faded naturally within a day, categorizing it as paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. One horse, however, experienced the condition for at least 45 hours post-race, marking it as persistent atrial fibrillation. Quinidine sulphate was used to successfully treat this condition and restore regular heart rhythm.
Details of Cases
- The research involves five cases of racehorses experiencing atrial fibrillation, a heart condition that interferes with the normal rhythm of the heart, after participating in a race.
- Of the five, four horses’ heart rhythm irregularity spontaneously resolved itself within 24 hours, categorizing these cases as paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, a type of atrial fibrillation that begins and ends spontaneously.
- The fifth horse exhibited signs of persistent atrial fibrillation, where the irregular heart rhythm lasted for over 45 hours post-race.
Treatment of Persistent Atrial Fibrillation
- Given the persistence of the irregular heart rhythm, the fifth horse was treated with a medication known as quinidine sulphate.
- Following the administration of quinidine sulphate, the horse’s heart rhythm successfully returned to its normal sinus rhythm, thereby demonstrating the efficacy of this treatment strategy.
Implications for Racehorse Performance
- The study highlights paroxysmal atrial fibrillation as a potential explanation for a sudden decrease in racehorse performance, implying that this condition could impact the speed and endurance of the animals during a race.
- Consequently, this research could help inform future studies as well as diagnoses and treatment protocols for racehorses exhibiting a sudden decline in performance.
Cite This Article
APA
Holmes JR, Henigan M, Williams RB, Witherington DH.
(1986).
Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in racehorses.
Equine Vet J, 18(1), 37-42.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.1986.tb03533.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Atrial Fibrillation / etiology
- Atrial Fibrillation / physiopathology
- Atrial Fibrillation / veterinary
- Electrocardiography
- Female
- Horse Diseases / etiology
- Horse Diseases / physiopathology
- Horses
- Male
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