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Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)2020; 259-260; 105463; doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2020.105463

Pathological bradyarrhythmia in horses.

Abstract: Pathological bradyarrhythmia is rare in horses but should be especially considered when presented with a horse that has signs consistent with episodic weakness or collapse. This paper reviews the literature describing our current knowledge of, and possible mechanisms causing, clinically significant bradyarrhythmia in horses.
Publication Date: 2020-05-18 PubMed ID: 32553234DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2020.105463Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

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The research article discusses the significance, causes, and our current understanding of bradyarrhythmia, a rare heart rhythm disorder in horses.

Overview of Bradyarrhythmia in Horses

Bradyarrhythmia is a type of heart rhythm problem that typically appears in horses. Although it is rare, it can lead to significant health issues, including weakness or sudden collapse. This makes it an important condition to investigate and understand. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the previous literature to summarize the current state of knowledge on clinically significant bradyarrhythmia in horses.

  • In particular, the paper explains that horses displaying symptoms such as periods of weakness or unusual collapse may be suffering from pathological bradyarrhythmia, hence, it is crucial for these cases to be given special consideration.

Understanding the Mechanisms behind Bradyarrhythmia

The article goes on to delve into the possible causes or mechanisms of bradyarrhythmia in horses. It does this via a detailed review of the available literature, in an attempt to correlate and present a clear picture of the causal factors behind the disease.

  • The research explores various metabolic, structural, and electrical disturbances that could be responsible for triggering bradyarrhythmia. This includes factors like alterations in the autonomic nervous system, disturbances in the sinus node, or dysfunction in the electrical conduction system of the heart.

Implications for Future Research

Finally, the paper highlights the need for further research in this field. Despite the rarity of the condition, the serious consequences of bradyarrhythmia necessitate a deeper understanding of its pathological mechanisms.

  • Furthermore, it points out the gaps in current research and emphasizes the importance of focusing future studies on finding reliable diagnostic methods, effective treatment protocols, and preventive measures to manage pathological bradyarrhythmia in horses.

Cite This Article

APA
Keen JA. (2020). Pathological bradyarrhythmia in horses. Vet J, 259-260, 105463. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2020.105463

Publication

ISSN: 1532-2971
NlmUniqueID: 9706281
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 259-260
Pages: 105463
PII: S1090-0233(20)30040-X

Researcher Affiliations

Keen, John A
  • Equine Hospital, Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies, The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK. Electronic address: john.keen@ed.ac.uk.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Bradycardia / physiopathology
  • Bradycardia / veterinary
  • Horse Diseases / physiopathology
  • Horses

Citations

This article has been cited 7 times.
  1. Heun F, Niebuhr T, Gutierrez Bautista A, Wiedmann F, Verhaar N, Kästner S, Feige K, Schmidt C. Treatment of a Paroxysmal Atrioventricular Block by Implantation of a Bipolar, Single-Chamber Cardiac Pacemaker in a Donkey. Animals (Basel) 2023 Aug 27;13(17).
    doi: 10.3390/ani13172724pubmed: 37684988google scholar: lookup
  2. Nissen SD, Saljic A, Kjeldsen ST, Jespersen T, Hopster-Iversen C, Buhl R. Cartilaginous Intrusion of the Atrioventricular Node in a Quarter Horse with a High Burden of Second-Degree AV Block and Collapse: A Case Report. Animals (Basel) 2022 Oct 24;12(21).
    doi: 10.3390/ani12212915pubmed: 36359039google scholar: lookup
  3. De Lange L, Van Steenkiste G, Vernemmen I, Vera L, Cromheeke KMC, Walser U, Meert H, Decloedt A, van Loon G. Successful application of closed loop stimulation pacemakers with remote monitoring in 3 miniature donkeys with syncope. J Vet Intern Med 2021 Nov;35(6):2920-2925.
    doi: 10.1111/jvim.16305pubmed: 34741540google scholar: lookup
  4. Sedlinská M, Kabeš R, Novák M, Kološ F, Melková P. Single-Chamber Cardiac Pacemaker Implantation in a Donkey with Complete AV Block: A Long-Term Follow-Up. Animals (Basel) 2021 Mar 9;11(3).
    doi: 10.3390/ani11030746pubmed: 33803127google scholar: lookup
  5. Natterson-Horowitz B, Wright K, Van Steenkiste G, Decloedt A, Gagnon AL, Cai X, Mazmanian A. Arrhythmias across the tree of life: comparative insights for human electrophysiology. Front Cardiovasc Med 2025;12:1652591.
    doi: 10.3389/fcvm.2025.1652591pubmed: 41567384google scholar: lookup
  6. Gómez-Torres F, Ballesteros-Acuña L, Ruíz-Sauri A. Histological and morphometric changes in cardiac conduction fibers after spontaneous myocardial infarction in horses and dogs. Vet World 2025 Apr;18(4):827-836.
  7. Gómez-Torres F, Ballesteros-Acuña L, Ruíz-Sauri A. Histopathological changes in the electrical conduction of cardiac nodes after acute myocardial infarction in dogs and horses, compared with findings in humans: A histological, morphometrical, and immunohistochemical study. Vet World 2023 Oct;16(10):2173-2185.