FREE SHIPPING over $40
OVER 9000 FIVE-STAR REVIEWS
5% OFF ALL SUBSCRIPTIONS
100% HAPPINESS GUARANTEE
Analyze Diet
0
Home / Equine Research Bank / J Vet Intern Med / Recommendations for management of equine athletes with cardi...
Journal of veterinary internal medicine2014; 28(3); 749-761; doi: 10.1111/jvim.12340

Recommendations for management of equine athletes with cardiovascular abnormalities.

Abstract: Murmurs and arrhythmias are commonly detected in equine athletes. Assessing the relevance of these cardiovascular abnormalities in the performance horse can be challenging. Determining the impact of a cardiovascular disorder on performance, life expectancy, horse and rider or driver safety relative to the owner's future expectations is paramount. A comprehensive assessment of the cardiovascular abnormality detected is essential to determine its severity and achieve these aims. This consensus statement presents a general approach to the assessment of cardiovascular abnormalities, followed by a discussion of the common murmurs and arrhythmias. The description, diagnosis, evaluation, and prognosis are considered for each cardiovascular abnormality. The recommendations presented herein are based on available literature and a consensus of the panelists. While the majority of horses with cardiovascular abnormalities have a useful performance life, periodic reexaminations are indicated for those with clinically relevant cardiovascular disease. Horses with pulmonary hypertension, CHF, or complex ventricular arrhythmias should not be ridden or driven.
Copyright © 2014 by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.
Get Full Text
Publication Date: 2014-03-14 PubMed ID: 24628586PubMed Central: PMC4895474DOI: 10.1111/jvim.12340Google Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
LinkedInCopy
  • Journal Article
  • Review

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.

The research article discusses the challenges and approaches in managing sport horses with cardiovascular issues such as murmurs and arrhythmias, stressing on the criticality of comprehensive assessments and regular reexaminations for horses with clinically relevant cardiovascular diseases.

Understanding Cardiovascular Abnormalities in Equine Athletes

In this study, the authors are discussing the common occurrence of heart murmur and arrhythmias (disruptions to the regular heart rhythm) in sport horses.

  • Cardiovascular abnormalities can significantly impact a horse’s performance, its life expectancy and the safety of the horse and its rider.
  • It can be challenging to determine the significance of these abnormalities for the performance horse, but it is an essential task in order to assess the potential risks and inform management strategies.

Comprehensive Assessment Methodology

The authors stress the importance of a thorough assessment of any cardiovascular abnormality. This includes:

  • Understanding the severity of the abnormality, which is crucial to make accurate predictions about the horse’s performance capability and lifespan and ensure the safety of the horse and rider.
  • Presenting a general approach for assessment, which comprises a detailed diagnosis, evaluation, and prognosis for each cardiovascular abnormality.
  • These recommendations are based on existing literature and consensus among the panelists of this study.

Prognosis and Management Recommendations

According to the study, it is important to note that:

  • Not all horses with cardiovascular abnormalities become useless in performances and many can continue to have a useful performance life.
  • However, horses having clinically relevant cardiovascular diseases require periodic reexaminations to monitor their health status and adapt management strategies as necessary.
  • Horses diagnosed with severe diseases like pulmonary hypertension, congestive heart failure (CHF), or complex ventricular arrhythmias are at high risk and the study advises against riding or driving them.

Cite This Article

APA
Reef VB, Bonagura J, Buhl R, McGurrin MK, Schwarzwald CC, van Loon G, Young LE. (2014). Recommendations for management of equine athletes with cardiovascular abnormalities. J Vet Intern Med, 28(3), 749-761. https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.12340

Publication

Journal of veterinary internal medicine
ISSN: 1939-1676
NlmUniqueID: 8708660
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 28
Issue: 3
Pages: 749-761

Researcher Affiliations

Reef, V B
  • Department of Clinical Studies-New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Kennett Square, PA.
Bonagura, J
    Buhl, R
      McGurrin, M K J
        Schwarzwald, C C
          van Loon, G
            Young, L E

              MeSH Terms

              • Animals
              • Aortic Valve Insufficiency / veterinary
              • Arrhythmias, Cardiac / veterinary
              • Atrial Fibrillation / veterinary
              • Cardiovascular Abnormalities / therapy
              • Cardiovascular Abnormalities / veterinary
              • Heart Murmurs / veterinary
              • Heart Septal Defects, Ventricular / veterinary
              • Horse Diseases / therapy
              • Horses / abnormalities
              • Mitral Valve Insufficiency / veterinary
              • Tricuspid Valve Insufficiency / veterinary

              References

              This article includes 60 references
              1. Marr CM, Bowen IM. Cardiology of the Horse, 2nd ed London: Saunders; 2010.
              2. Bonagura JD, Reef VB, Schwarzwald CC. Cardiovascular diseases In: Reed S, Bayly W, Sellon D, eds. Equine Internal Medicine, 3rd ed St. Louis, MO: Saunders; 2010:372–478.
              3. Reef VB. Cardiovascular ultrasonography In: Reef VB, ed. Equine Diagnostic Ultrasound, 1st ed Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders; 1998:215–272.
              4. Young LE, van Loon G. Diseases of heart and vessels In: Hinchcliff KW, Kaneps AJ, Geor RJ, eds. Equine Sports Medicine and Surgery, 2nd ed. Edinburgh: Saunders; 2014:695–743.
              5. Physick‐Sheard PW, McGurrin MK. Ventricular arrhythmias during race recovery in Standardbred racehorses and associations with autonomic activity.. J Vet Intern Med 2010;24:1158–1166.
                pubmed: 20584140
              6. Verheyen T, Decloedt A, De Clercq D. Electrocardiography in horses—Part 1: How to make a good recording.. Vlaams Diergen Tijds 2010;79:331–336.
              7. Young LE, Rogers K, Wood JL. Heart murmurs and valvular regurgitation in Thoroughbred racehorses: Epidemiology and associations with athletic performance.. J Vet Intern Med 2008;22:418–426.
                pubmed: 18346144
              8. Zoghbi WA, Enriquez‐Sarano M, Foster E. Recommendations for evaluation of the severity of native valvular regurgitation with two‐dimensional and Doppler echocardiography.. J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2003;16:777–802.
                pubmed: 12835667
              9. Imhasly A, Tschudi PR, Lombard CW. Clinical and echocardiographic features of mild mitral valve regurgitation in 108 horses.. Vet J 2010;183:166–171.
                pubmed: 19272821
              10. Reef VB. Heart murmurs in horses: Determining their significance with echocardiography.. Equine Vet J Suppl 1995;19:71–80.
                pubmed: 8933072
              11. Gehlen H, Goltz A, Rohn K. A survey of the frequency and development of heart disease in riding‐horses—Part 2: Clinical and echocardiographic follow‐up examination.. Pferdheilkunde 2007;23:369–377.
              12. Stevens KB, Marr CM, Horn JNR. Effect of left‐sided valvular regurgitation on mortality and causes of death among a population of middle‐aged and older horses.. Vet Rec 2009;164:6–10.
                pubmed: 19122214
              13. Reef VB, Bain FT, Spencer PA. Severe mitral regurgitation in horses: Clinical, echocardiographic and pathological findings.. Equine Vet J 1998;30:18–27.
                pubmed: 9458395
              14. Reef VB, Spencer P. Echocardiographic evaluation of equine aortic insufficiency.. Am J Vet Res 1987;48:904–909.
                pubmed: 3605805
              15. Hallowell GD, Bowen M. Reliability and identification of aortic valve prolapse in the horse.. BMC Vet Res 2013;11:9.
                pmc: PMC3547808pubmed: 23311963
              16. Horn J.. Sympathetic Nervous Control of Cardiac Function and its Role in Equine Heart Disease. London: Royal Veterinary College, University of London; 2002.
              17. Buhl R, Ersboll AK, Eriksen L. Use of color Doppler echocardiography to assess the development of valvular regurgitation in Standardbred trotters.. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2005;227:1630–1635.
                pubmed: 16313042
              18. Buhl R, Ersbøll AK. Echocardiographic evaluation of changes in left ventricular size and valvular regurgitation associated with physical training during and after maturity in Standardbred trotters.. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2012;240:205–212.
                pubmed: 22217030
              19. Lightfoot G, Jose‐Cunilleras E, Rogers K. An echocardiographic and auscultation study of right heart responses to training in young national hunt Thoroughbred horses.. Equine Vet J Suppl 2006;36:153–158.
                pubmed: 17402411
              20. Maxson AD, Reef VB. Bacterial endocarditis in horses: Ten cases (1984–1995).. Equine Vet J 1997;29:394–399.
                pubmed: 9306068
              21. Slack J, Durando MM, Ainsworth DM. Non‐invasive estimation of pulmonary arterial pressures in horses with recurrent airway obstruction.. J Vet Intern Med 2006;20:757.
              22. Marr CM. Cardiac murmurs: Congenital heart disease In: Marr CM, Bowen IM, eds. Cardiology of the Horse, 2nd ed London: Saunders; 2010:193–205.
              23. Reef VB. Evaluation of ventricular septal defects in horses using two‐dimensional and Doppler echocardiography.. Equine Vet J Suppl 1995;19:86–95.
                pubmed: 8933074
              24. Hall TL, Magdesian KG, Kittleson MD. Congenital cardiac defects in neonatal foals: 18 cases (1992–2007).. J Vet Intern Med 2010;24:206–212.
                pubmed: 20391638
              25. Schwarzwald CC. Sequential segmental analysis—A systematic approach to the diagnosis of congenital cardiac defects.. Equine Vet Educ 2008;20:305–309.
              26. Reef VB. Echocardiographic findings in horses with congenital cardiac disease.. Comp Cont Ed Pract Vet 1991;1:109–117.
              27. Marr CM, Reef VB, Brazil TJ. Aorto‐cardiac fistulas in seven horses.. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 1998;39:22–31.
                pubmed: 9491514
              28. Sleeper MM, Durando MM, Miller M. Aortic root disease in four horses.. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2001;219:491–496.
                pubmed: 11518177
              29. Ploeg M, Saey V, de Bruijn CM. Aortic rupture and aorto‐pulmonary fistulation in the Friesian horse: Characterisation of the clinical and gross post mortem findings in 24 cases.. Equine Vet J 2013;45:101–106.
                pubmed: 22607232
              30. De Clercq D, Van Loon G, Tavernier R. Atrial and ventricular electrical and contractile remodeling and reverse remodeling owing to short‐term pacing‐induced atrial fibrillation in horses.. J Vet Intern Med 2008;22:1353–1359.
                pubmed: 19000247
              31. Verheyen T, Decloedt A, De Clercq D. Oesophageal electrocardiography in healthy horses.. Equine Vet J 2012;44:640–645.
                pubmed: 22168408
              32. Kraus M. In depth heritability and pedigree analysis of atrial fibrillation in the Standardbred racehorse. Guelph (Canada): Department of Animal and Poultry Science, University of Guelph; 2012. Dissertation.
              33. Verheyen T, Decloedt A, van der Vekens N. Ventricular response during lungeing exercise in horses with lone atrial fibrillation.. Equine Vet J 2013;45:309–314.
                pubmed: 23094848
              34. Reef VB, Levitan CW, Spencer PA. Factors affecting prognosis and conversion in equine atrial fibrillation.. J Vet Intern Med 1988;2:1–6.
                pubmed: 3221350
              35. van Loon G. Atrial pacing and experimental atrial fibrillation in equines. Merelbeke (Belgium): Department of Large Animal Internal Medicine, Ghent University; 2001:1–258.
              36. van Loon G, Tavernier R, Duytschaever M. Pacing induced sustained atrial fibrillation in a pony.. Can J Vet Res 2000;64:254–258.
                pmc: PMC1189629pubmed: 11041507
              37. van Loon G, Duytschaever M, Tavernier R. An equine model of chronic atrial fibrillation: Methodology.. Vet J 2002;164:142–150.
                pubmed: 12359469
              38. Marr CM, Reef VB, Reimer JM. An echocardiographic study of atrial fibrillation in horses: Before and after conversion to sinus rhythm.. J Vet Intern Med 1995;9:336–340.
                pubmed: 8531180
              39. McGurrin MK, Physick‐Sheard PW, Kenney DG. Transvenous electrical cardioversion of equine atrial fibrillation: Patient factors and clinical results in 72 treatment episodes.. J Vet Intern Med 2008;22:609–615.
                pubmed: 18466256
              40. McGurrin MK, Physick‐Sheard PW, Kenney DG. Transvenous electrical cardioversion of equine atrial fibrillation: Technical considerations.. J Vet Intern Med 2005;19:695–702.
                pubmed: 16231714
              41. McGurrin MK, Physick‐Sheard PW, Kenney DG. Transvenous electrical cardioversion in equine atrial fibrillation: Technique and successful treatment of 3 horses.. J Vet Intern Med 2003;17:715–718.
                pubmed: 14529141
              42. McGurrin MKJ, Physick‐Sheard PW, Kenney DG. How to perform transvenous electrical cardioversion in horses with atrial fibrillation.. J Vet Cardiol 2005;7:109–119.
                pubmed: 19083326
              43. Morris DD, Fregin GF. Atrial fibrillation in horses: Factors associated with response to quinidine sulfate in 77 clinical cases.. Cornell Vet 1982;72:339–349.
                pubmed: 6754252
              44. Muir WW 3rd, Reed SM, McGuirk SM. Treatment of atrial fibrillation in horses by intravenous administration of quinidine.. J Am Vet Med Assoc 1990;197:1607–1610.
                pubmed: 2276956
              45. De Clercq D, van Loon G, Schauvliege S. Transvenous electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation in six horses using custom made cardioversion catheters.. Vet J 2008;177:198–204.
                pubmed: 17920965
              46. De Clercq D, van Loon G, Tavernier R. Use of propafenone for conversion of chronic atrial fibrillation in horses.. Am J Vet Res 2009;70:223–227.
                pubmed: 19231955
              47. De Clercq D, van Loon G, Baert K. Effects of an adapted intravenous amiodarone treatment protocol in horses with atrial fibrillation.. Equine Vet J 2007;39:344–349.
                pubmed: 17722727
              48. De Clercq D, van Loon G, Baert K. Intravenous amiodarone treatment in horses with chronic atrial fibrillation.. Vet J 2006;172:129–134.
                pubmed: 15908245
              49. van Loon G, Blissitt KJ, Keen JA. Use of intravenous flecainide in horses with naturally‐occurring atrial fibrillation.. Equine Vet J 2004;36:609–614.
                pubmed: 15581326
              50. Bellei MH, Kerr C, McGurrin MK. Management and complications of anesthesia for transvenous electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation in horses: 62 cases (2002–2006).. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2007;231:1225–1230.
                pubmed: 17937553
              51. Schauvliege S, van Loon G, De Clercq D. Cardiovascular responses to transvenous electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation in anaesthetized horses.. Vet Anaesth Analg 2009;36:341–351.
                pubmed: 19538571
              52. Estrada AH, Pariaut R, Moïse NS. Avoiding medical error during electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation: Prevention of unsynchronized shock delivery.. J Vet Cardiol 2009;11:137–139.
                pubmed: 19914154
              53. Decloedt A, Van Der Vekens N, De Clercq D. Long‐term follow‐up of atrial function after cardioversion of atrial fibrillation in horses.. Vet J 2013;197:583–588.
                pubmed: 23823082
              54. van Loon G, De Clercq D, Tavernier R. Transient complete atrioventricular block following transvenous electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation in a horse.. Vet J 2005;170:124–127.
                pubmed: 15993796
              55. Schwarzwald CC, Schober KE, Bonagura JD. Methods and reliability of echocardiographic assessment of left atrial size and mechanical function in horses.. Am J Vet Res 2007;68:735–747.
                pubmed: 17605609
              56. Schwarzwald CC, Schober KE, Bonagura JD. Echocardiographic evidence of left atrial mechanical dysfunction after conversion of atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm in 5 horses.. J Vet Intern Med 2007;21:820–827.
                pubmed: 17708405
              57. Ryan N, Marr CM, McGladdery AJ. Survey of cardiac arrhythmias during submaximal and maximal exercise in Thoroughbred racehorses.. Equine Vet J 2005;37:265–268.
                pubmed: 15892238
              58. Barbesgaard L, Buhl R, Meldgaard C. Prevalence of exercise‐associated arrhythmias in normal performing dressage horses.. Equine Vet J Suppl 2010;38:202–207.
                pubmed: 21059007
              59. Buhl R, Meldgaard C, Barbesgaard L. Cardiac arrhythmias in clinically healthy showjumping horses.. Equine Vet J Suppl 2010;38:196–201.
                pubmed: 21059006
              60. Buhl R, Petersen EE, Lindholm M. Cardiac arrhythmias in Standardbreds during and after racing—Possible association between heart size, valvular regurgitations and arrhythmias.. J Equine Vet Sci 2013;33:590–596.

              Citations

              This article has been cited 67 times.
              1. 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
              2. Haugaard SL, Schneider MJ, Kjeldsen ST, Sattler SM, Bastrup JA, Saljic A, Birk JB, Hansen C, Synnestvedt JN, van Hunnik A, Sobota V, Carstensen H, Hopster-Iversen C, Schwarzwald CC, Altintaş A, Barrès R, Jepps TA, Larsen S, Kjøbsted R, Wojtaszewski JFP, Barrado Ballestero S, Roostalu U, Herum KM, Jespersen T, Nattel S, Nissen SD, Buhl R. Metformin Protects Against Persistent Atrial Fibrillation in an Equine Model. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol 2025 Dec;18(12):e013850.
                doi: 10.1161/CIRCEP.125.013850pubmed: 41328576google scholar: lookup
              3. 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
              4. Dufourni A, Demeyere M, Vernemmen I, Van Steenkiste G, Verhaeghe LM, van Loon G, Decloedt A. Effect of N-Butylscopolammonium Bromide and Metamizol Sodium on Heart Rate, Blood Pressure, and Echocardiographic Measurements in Warmblood Horses With Aortic and Mitral Valve Regurgitation. J Vet Intern Med 2025 Nov-Dec;39(6):e70254.
                doi: 10.1111/jvim.70254pubmed: 41070729google scholar: lookup
              5. Nissen SD, Bastrup JA, Haugaard SL, Marion-Knudsen R, Schneider M, Kjeldsen ST, Carstensen H, Hopster-Iversen C, Nattel S, Jepps TA, Buhl R. Horse model of spontaneous atrial fibrillation share proteomic changes with humans. Sci Rep 2025 Aug 28;15(1):31694.
                doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-16885-7pubmed: 40877415google scholar: lookup
              6. Maas LT, Morgan JM, Case J, Chell DD, McLean AK. Pilot Study: Heart Rate and Heart Rate Variability Indices in Mules Evaluated by 24-Hour Electrocardiogram. Animals (Basel) 2025 Aug 20;15(16).
                doi: 10.3390/ani15162438pubmed: 40867766google scholar: lookup
              7. Schneider MJ, Piotrowski IL, Junge HK, van Steenkiste G, Vernemmen I, van Loon G, Schwarzwald CC. Application of Acoustic Cardiography in Assessment of Cardiac Function in Horses with Atrial Fibrillation Before and After Cardioversion. Animals (Basel) 2025 Jul 7;15(13).
                doi: 10.3390/ani15131993pubmed: 40646892google scholar: lookup
              8. Sullivan A, Adin DB, Speziok SB, Haimovitz D, Holbrook TC, Luethy D. Twenty-Four-Hour Electrocardiographic Monitoring for Assessment of Cardiac Arrhythmias in Healthy and Hospitalized Goats. J Vet Intern Med 2025 Jul-Aug;39(4):e70160.
                doi: 10.1111/jvim.70160pubmed: 40452264google scholar: lookup
              9. Vitale V, Velloso Álvarez A, de la Cuesta-Torrado M, Neira-Egea P, Vandecandelaere M, Tee E, Gimeno M, van Galen G. Can Acute Neurological Disease Cause Cardiomyopathy in Horses?. Animals (Basel) 2025 May 16;15(10).
                doi: 10.3390/ani15101447pubmed: 40427323google scholar: lookup
              10. Mehrazin H, Sakha M, Safi S. Effects of Age, Sex, and Exercise on Measurement of Serum CTnI Levels and Some Parameters Related to the Cardiovascular Capacity of Caspian Horses. Vet Med Sci 2025 Mar;11(2):e70202.
                doi: 10.1002/vms3.70202pubmed: 40065591google scholar: lookup
              11. Navas de Solis C, Ramseyer A, Stefanovski D, Haughan J, Solomon CJ, Kirsch K. Association of heart rate variability, exercise intensity and exercising arrhythmias with competition results in eventing horses. Equine Vet J 2025 Nov;57(6):1446-1456.
                doi: 10.1111/evj.14491pubmed: 40008417google scholar: lookup
              12. Navas de Solis C, Solomon C, Durando M, Stefanovski D. Electrocardiograms from different types of exercise in Eventing horses with and without cardiac signs. Equine Vet J 2025 Jul;57(4):991-1000.
                doi: 10.1111/evj.14449pubmed: 39632364google scholar: lookup
              13. Kjeldsen ST, Nissen SD, Christensen NC, Haugaard SL, Schneider MJ, Vinther Z, Sattler SM, Carstensen H, Jøns C, Hopster-Iversen C, Buhl R. Validation and clinical application of implantable loop recorders for diagnosis of atrial fibrillation in horses. Equine Vet J 2025 Mar;57(2):449-458.
                doi: 10.1111/evj.14112pubmed: 39031582google scholar: lookup
              14. Schumacher A, Gehlen H. Health of Polo Horses. Animals (Basel) 2024 Jun 8;14(12).
                doi: 10.3390/ani14121735pubmed: 38929354google scholar: lookup
              15. Piotrowski IL, Junge HK, Schwarzwald CC. Evaluation of the Audicor Acoustic Cardiography Device as a Diagnostic Tool in Horses with Mitral or Aortic Valve Insufficiency. Animals (Basel) 2024 Jan 21;14(2).
                doi: 10.3390/ani14020331pubmed: 38275790google scholar: lookup
              16. Dufourni A, Buschmann E, Vernemmen I, Van Steenkiste G, van Loon G, Decloedt A. Effect of physiological and pharmacological stress on heart rate, blood pressure, and echocardiographic measurements in healthy Warmblood horses. J Vet Intern Med 2024 Jan-Feb;38(1):398-410.
                doi: 10.1111/jvim.16967pubmed: 38174810google scholar: lookup
              17. Nissen SD, Saljic A, Carstensen H, Braunstein TH, Hesselkilde EM, Kjeldsen ST, Hopster-Iversen C, D'Souza A, Jespersen T, Buhl R. Muscarinic acetylcholine receptors M(2) are upregulated in the atrioventricular nodal tract in horses with a high burden of second-degree atrioventricular block. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023;10:1102164.
                doi: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1102164pubmed: 38034369google scholar: lookup
              18. Vitale V, Laurberg M, van Galen G, van Loon G. Limitations of transthoracic echocardiography in equine patients. Vet Med Sci 2023 Jul;9(4):1618-1620.
                doi: 10.1002/vms3.906pubmed: 36998232google scholar: lookup
              19. Cruz-Aleixo AS, de Oliveira KC, de Oliveira Ferreira LV, Cedeo Quevedo DA, Cruz RKS, Tsunemi MH, Chiacchio SB, Lourenço MLG. Electrocardiographic and Echocardiographic Parameters in Pega Breed Donkeys: A Descriptive Study. Animals (Basel) 2023 Feb 27;13(5).
                doi: 10.3390/ani13050861pubmed: 36899718google scholar: lookup
              20. McCrae P, Spong H, Golestani N, Mahnam A, Bashura Y, Pearson W. Validation of an Equine Smart Textile System for Heart Rate Variability: A Preliminary Study. Animals (Basel) 2023 Feb 1;13(3).
                doi: 10.3390/ani13030512pubmed: 36766401google scholar: lookup
              21. McCrae P, Spong H, Rutherford AA, Osborne V, Mahnam A, Pearson W. A Smart Textile Band Achieves High-Quality Electrocardiograms in Unrestrained Horses. Animals (Basel) 2022 Nov 23;12(23).
                doi: 10.3390/ani12233254pubmed: 36496775google scholar: lookup
              22. 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
              23. Khalesi H, Sakha M, Veshkini A, Rezakhani A. Assessing the cardiac valves conditions in athletic horses with poor performance. Vet Res Forum 2022 Sep;13(3):423-429.
                doi: 10.30466/vrf.2021.130366.2997pubmed: 36320295google scholar: lookup
              24. Vitale V, Vezzosi T, Di Franco C, Briganti A, Tognetti R, Conte G, Bucchioni E, Sgorbini M. Equine echocardiography: Can dobutamine infusion correct alterations due to sedation with alpha-2 agonists?. PLoS One 2022;17(10):e0276256.
                doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0276256pubmed: 36256667google scholar: lookup
              25. Burns JJ, MacMillan KM, John EE. Retrospective review of atrial fibrillation in Standardbred racehorses at a tertiary care facility in Atlantic Canada. Can Vet J 2022 Oct;63(10):1051-1056.
                pubmed: 36185789
              26. Jong MV, Leegwater PAJ, Fieten H, Szatmári V. Prevalence of Echocardiographic Evidence of Trace Mitral and Aortic Valve Regurgitation in 50 Clinically Healthy, Young Adult Labrador Retrievers without Heart Murmur. Animals (Basel) 2022 Sep 16;12(18).
                doi: 10.3390/ani12182442pubmed: 36139302google scholar: lookup
              27. Van Steenkiste G, Boussy T, Duytschaever M, Vernemmen I, Schauvlieghe S, Decloedt A, van Loon G. Detection of the origin of atrial tachycardia by 3D electro-anatomical mapping and treatment by radiofrequency catheter ablation in horses. J Vet Intern Med 2022 Jul;36(4):1481-1490.
                doi: 10.1111/jvim.16473pubmed: 35686355google scholar: lookup
              28. Weis R, Carstensen H, Sattler SM, Buhl R, Hesselkilde EM. Electrocardiographic Changes in a Horse with Induced Myocardial Infarction. Animals (Basel) 2022 May 16;12(10).
                doi: 10.3390/ani12101272pubmed: 35625118google scholar: lookup
              29. Miranda ALS, Antunes BC, Minozzo JC, Lima SA, Botelho AFM, Campos MTG, Chávez-Olórtegui CD, Soto-Blanco B. Clinical Effects of the Immunization Protocol Using Loxosceles Venom in Naïve Horses. Toxins (Basel) 2022 May 13;14(5).
                doi: 10.3390/toxins14050338pubmed: 35622586google scholar: lookup
              30. Huang YH, Lyle JV, Ab Razak AS, Nandi M, Marr CM, Huang CL, Aston PJ, Jeevaratnam K. Detecting paroxysmal atrial fibrillation from normal sinus rhythm in equine athletes using Symmetric Projection Attractor Reconstruction and machine learning. Cardiovasc Digit Health J 2022 Apr;3(2):96-106.
                doi: 10.1016/j.cvdhj.2022.02.001pubmed: 35493267google scholar: lookup
              31. Nissen SD, Weis R, Krag-Andersen EK, Hesselkilde EM, Isaksen JL, Carstensen H, Kanters JK, Linz D, Sanders P, Hopster-Iversen C, Jespersen T, Pehrson S, Buhl R. Electrocardiographic characteristics of trained and untrained standardbred racehorses. J Vet Intern Med 2022 May;36(3):1119-1130.
                doi: 10.1111/jvim.16427pubmed: 35488721google scholar: lookup
              32. Biondi V, Landi A, Pugliese M, Merola G, Passantino A. Inflammatory Response and Electrocardiographic Examination in Horses Vaccinated against Equine Herpesvirus (Ehv-1). Animals (Basel) 2022 Mar 19;12(6).
                doi: 10.3390/ani12060778pubmed: 35327175google scholar: lookup
              33. Kjeldsen ST, Nissen SD, Buhl R, Hopster-Iversen C. Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation in Horses: Pathophysiology, Diagnostics and Clinical Aspects. Animals (Basel) 2022 Mar 10;12(6).
                doi: 10.3390/ani12060698pubmed: 35327097google scholar: lookup
              34. Vernemmen I, Van Steenkiste G, Dufourni A, Decloedt A, van Loon G. Transvenous electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation in horses: Horse and procedural factors correlated with success and recurrence. J Vet Intern Med 2022 Mar;36(2):758-769.
                doi: 10.1111/jvim.16395pubmed: 35246994google scholar: lookup
              35. Lo Feudo CM, Stucchi L, Stancari G, Alberti E, Conturba B, Zucca E, Ferrucci F. Associations between Exercise-Induced Pulmonary Hemorrhage (EIPH) and Fitness Parameters Measured by Incremental Treadmill Test in Standardbred Racehorses. Animals (Basel) 2022 Feb 12;12(4).
                doi: 10.3390/ani12040449pubmed: 35203157google scholar: lookup
              36. Buhl R, Hesselkilde EM, Carstensen H, Hopster-Iversen C, van Loon G, Decloedt A, Van Steenkiste G, Marr CM, Reef VB, Schwarzwald CC, Mitchell KJ, Nostell K, Nogradi N, Nielsen SS, Carlson J, Platonov PG. Atrial fibrillatory rate as predictor of recurrence of atrial fibrillation in horses treated medically or with electrical cardioversion. Equine Vet J 2022 Nov;54(6):1013-1022.
                doi: 10.1111/evj.13551pubmed: 34957586google scholar: lookup
              37. Hövener J, Pokar J, Merle R, Gehlen H. Association between Cardiac Auscultation and Echocardiographic Findings in Warmblood Horses. Animals (Basel) 2021 Dec 5;11(12).
                doi: 10.3390/ani11123463pubmed: 34944240google scholar: lookup
              38. Gehlen H, Fisch J, Merle R, Trachsel DS. Preliminary study on the effects of pergolide on left ventricular function in the horses with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction. J Vet Sci 2021 Sep;22(5):e64.
                doi: 10.4142/jvs.2021.22.e64pubmed: 34553515google scholar: lookup
              39. Alberti E, Stucchi L, Lo Feudo CM, Stancari G, Conturba B, Ferrucci F, Zucca E. Evaluation of Cardiac Arrhythmias before, during, and after Treadmill Exercise Testing in Poorly Performing Standardbred Racehorses. Animals (Basel) 2021 Aug 16;11(8).
                doi: 10.3390/ani11082413pubmed: 34438870google scholar: lookup
              40. De Lange L, Vera L, Decloedt A, Van Steenkiste G, Vernemmen I, van Loon G. Prevalence and characteristics of ventricular septal defects in a non-racehorse equine population (2008-2019). J Vet Intern Med 2021 May;35(3):1573-1581.
                doi: 10.1111/jvim.16106pubmed: 33742468google scholar: lookup
              41. Vitale V, Laurberg M, van Galen G. Transthoracic echocardiography and its limitations in the diagnosis of congenital supernumerary aortic valve in a Thoroughbred. Vet Med Sci 2023 Mar;9(2):712-716.
                doi: 10.1002/vms3.472pubmed: 33713550google scholar: lookup
              42. Nath LC, Elliott AD, Weir J, Curl P, Rosanowski SM, Franklin S. Incidence, recurrence, and outcome of postrace atrial fibrillation in Thoroughbred horses. J Vet Intern Med 2021 Mar;35(2):1111-1120.
                doi: 10.1111/jvim.16063pubmed: 33604980google scholar: lookup
              43. Hesselkilde EM, Isaksen JL, Petersen BV, Carstensen H, Jespersen T, Pehrson S, Kanters JK, Buhl R. A novel approach for obtaining 12-lead electrocardiograms in horses. J Vet Intern Med 2021 Jan;35(1):521-531.
                doi: 10.1111/jvim.15980pubmed: 33274799google scholar: lookup
              44. Berthoud D, Schwarzwald CC. Echocardiographic assessment of left ventricular size and systolic function in Warmblood horses using linear measurements, area-based indices, and volume estimates: A retrospective database analysis. J Vet Intern Med 2021 Jan;35(1):504-520.
                doi: 10.1111/jvim.15968pubmed: 33247461google scholar: lookup
              45. Buhl R, Nissen SD, Winther MLK, Poulsen SK, Hopster-Iversen C, Jespersen T, Sanders P, Carstensen H, Hesselkilde EM. Implantable loop recorders can detect paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in Standardbred racehorses with intermittent poor performance. Equine Vet J 2021 Sep;53(5):955-963.
                doi: 10.1111/evj.13372pubmed: 33113157google scholar: lookup
              46. Vitale V, Van Galen G, Laurberg M, Young B, Mciver V, Wereszka M, Gimeno M. Ascending aortic aneurysm associated with tetralogy of Fallot in an adult mare. Vet Med Sci 2021 Jan;7(1):9-15.
                doi: 10.1002/vms3.311pubmed: 32573982google scholar: lookup
              47. Buhl R, Hesselkilde EM, Carstensen H, Fenner MF, Jespersen T, Tfelt-Hansen J, Michael Sattler S. Detection of atrial fibrillation with implantable loop recorders in horses. Equine Vet J 2021 Mar;53(2):397-403.
                doi: 10.1111/evj.13301pubmed: 32506470google scholar: lookup
              48. Fenner MF, Carstensen H, Dalgas Nissen S, Melis Hesselkilde E, Scott Lunddahl C, Adler Hess Jensen M, Loft-Andersen AV, Sattler SM, Platonov P, El-Haou S, Jackson C, Tang R, Kirby R, Ford J, Schotten U, Milnes J, Svane Sørensen U, Jespersen T, Buhl R. Effect of selective I(K,ACh) inhibition by XAF-1407 in an equine model of tachypacing-induced persistent atrial fibrillation. Br J Pharmacol 2020 Aug;177(16):3778-3794.
                doi: 10.1111/bph.15100pubmed: 32436234google scholar: lookup
              49. Welch-Huston B, Durward-Akhurst S, Norton E, Ellingson L, Rendahl A, McCue M. Comparison between smartphone electrocardiography and standard three-lead base apex electrocardiography in healthy horses. Vet Rec 2020 Oct 31;187(9):e70.
                doi: 10.1136/vr.105759pubmed: 32414909google scholar: lookup
              50. Decloedt A, Ven S, De Clercq D, Rademakers F, van Loon G. Assessment of left ventricular function in horses with aortic regurgitation by 2D speckle tracking. BMC Vet Res 2020 Mar 20;16(1):93.
                doi: 10.1186/s12917-020-02307-5pubmed: 32197611google scholar: lookup
              51. Hesselkilde EZ, Carstensen H, Flethøj M, Fenner M, Kruse DD, Sattler SM, Tfelt-Hansen J, Pehrson S, Braunstein TH, Carlson J, Platonov PG, Jespersen T, Buhl R. Longitudinal study of electrical, functional and structural remodelling in an equine model of atrial fibrillation. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2019 Oct 21;19(1):228.
                doi: 10.1186/s12872-019-1210-4pubmed: 31638896google scholar: lookup
              52. Boegli J, Schwarzwald CC, Mitchell KJ. Diagnostic value of noninvasive pulse pressure measurements in Warmblood horses with aortic regurgitation. J Vet Intern Med 2019 May;33(3):1446-1455.
                doi: 10.1111/jvim.15494pubmed: 30938891google scholar: lookup
              53. Carstensen H, Hesselkilde EZ, Haugaard MM, Flethøj M, Carlson J, Pehrson S, Jespersen T, Platonov PG, Buhl R. Effects of dofetilide and ranolazine on atrial fibrillatory rate in a horse model of acutely induced atrial fibrillation. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 2019 Apr;30(4):596-606.
                doi: 10.1111/jce.13849pubmed: 30661267google scholar: lookup
              54. Broux B, De Clercq D, Vera L, Ven S, Deprez P, Decloedt A, van Loon G. Can heart rate variability parameters derived by a heart rate monitor differentiate between atrial fibrillation and sinus rhythm?. BMC Vet Res 2018 Oct 25;14(1):320.
                doi: 10.1186/s12917-018-1650-6pubmed: 30359273google scholar: lookup
              55. Carstensen H, Hesselkilde EZ, Fenner M, Loft-Andersen AV, Flethøj M, Kanters JK, Sattler SM, Tfelt-Hansen J, Pehrson S, Jespersen T, Buhl R. Time-dependent antiarrhythmic effects of flecainide on induced atrial fibrillation in horses. J Vet Intern Med 2018 Sep;32(5):1708-1717.
                doi: 10.1111/jvim.15287pubmed: 30133839google scholar: lookup
              56. McGurrin MKJ. The diagnosis and management of atrial fibrillation in the horse. Vet Med (Auckl) 2015;6:83-90.
                doi: 10.2147/VMRR.S46304pubmed: 30101098google scholar: lookup
              57. Buhl R, Carstensen H, Hesselkilde EZ, Klein BZ, Hougaard KM, Ravn KB, Loft-Andersen AV, Fenner MF, Pipper C, Jespersen T. Effect of induced chronic atrial fibrillation on exercise performance in Standardbred trotters. J Vet Intern Med 2018 Jul;32(4):1410-1419.
                doi: 10.1111/jvim.15137pubmed: 29749082google scholar: lookup
              58. Decloedt A, Broux B, De Clercq D, Deprez P, Van Steenkiste G, Vera L, Ven S, van Loon G. Effect of sotalol on heart rate, QT interval, and atrial fibrillation cycle length in horses with atrial fibrillation. J Vet Intern Med 2018 Mar;32(2):815-821.
                doi: 10.1111/jvim.15055pubmed: 29460446google scholar: lookup
              59. Gunther-Harrington CT, Arthur R, Estell K, Martinez Lopez B, Sinnott A, Ontiveros E, Varga A, Stern JA. Prospective pre- and post-race evaluation of biochemical, electrophysiologic, and echocardiographic indices in 30 racing thoroughbred horses that received furosemide. BMC Vet Res 2018 Jan 18;14(1):18.
                doi: 10.1186/s12917-018-1336-0pubmed: 29347921google scholar: lookup
              60. Carstensen H, Kjær L, Haugaard MM, Flethøj M, Hesselkilde EZ, Kanters JK, Pehrson S, Buhl R, Jespersen T. Antiarrhythmic Effects of Combining Dofetilide and Ranolazine in a Model of Acutely Induced Atrial Fibrillation in Horses. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 2018 Jan;71(1):26-35.
                doi: 10.1097/FJC.0000000000000541pubmed: 29068807google scholar: lookup
              61. Flethøj M, Kanters JK, Pedersen PJ, Haugaard MM, Carstensen H, Olsen LH, Buhl R. Appropriate threshold levels of cardiac beat-to-beat variation in semi-automatic analysis of equine ECG recordings. BMC Vet Res 2016 Nov 28;12(1):266.
                doi: 10.1186/s12917-016-0894-2pubmed: 27894294google scholar: lookup
              62. Huesler IM, Mitchell KJ, Schwarzwald CC. Echocardiographic Assessment of Left Atrial Size and Function in Warmblood Horses: Reference Intervals, Allometric Scaling, and Agreement of Different Echocardiographic Variables. J Vet Intern Med 2016 Jul;30(4):1241-52.
                doi: 10.1111/jvim.14368pubmed: 27362277google scholar: lookup
              63. Shields E, Seiden-Long I, Massie S, Passante S, Leguillette R. Analytical validation and establishment of reference intervals for a 'high-sensitivity' cardiac troponin-T assay in horses. BMC Vet Res 2016 Jun 13;12(1):104.
                doi: 10.1186/s12917-016-0737-1pubmed: 27296016google scholar: lookup
              64. 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
              65. Lanata A, Guidi A, Baragli P, Valenza G, Scilingo EP. A Novel Algorithm for Movement Artifact Removal in ECG Signals Acquired from Wearable Systems Applied to Horses. PLoS One 2015;10(10):e0140783.
                doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0140783pubmed: 26484686google scholar: lookup
              66. Decloedt A, Schwarzwald CC, De Clercq D, Van Der Vekens N, Pardon B, Reef VB, van Loon G. Risk factors for recurrence of atrial fibrillation in horses after cardioversion to sinus rhythm. J Vet Intern Med 2015 May-Jun;29(3):946-53.
                doi: 10.1111/jvim.12606pubmed: 25917409google scholar: lookup
              67. Haugaard MM, Pehrson S, Carstensen H, Flethøj M, Hesselkilde EZ, Praestegaard KF, Diness JG, Grunnet M, Jespersen T, Buhl R. Antiarrhythmic and electrophysiologic effects of flecainide on acutely induced atrial fibrillation in healthy horses. J Vet Intern Med 2015 Jan;29(1):339-47.
                doi: 10.1111/jvim.12496pubmed: 25328012google scholar: lookup
              Subscribe to our newsletter
              Join 99,034 horse owners like you who receive our email updates on horse health and nutrition.