Ventricular arrhythmias in horses: 21 cases (1984-1989).
Abstract: Ventricular premature depolarizations (VPD) were identified in 21 horses in which unexplained tachycardia or an arrhythmia was detected on auscultation. Horses were categorized into 3 groups on the basis of ECG findings. Seven horses had uniform isolated VPD (group 1); 7 horses had repetitive uniform VPD at a rate or = 100 VPD/min (group 3). Concurrent systemic disease was identified in 12 horses, 7 of which had gastrointestinal tract disorders. Serum cardiac isoenzyme activities were high in 6 (2 from each group) of 13 horses in which they were measured. Serum electrolyte concentrations were normal in all but 1 of 11 horses in which they were measured. Antiarrhythmic drugs were given to 9 horses (all of which were in group 2 or group 3), 6 of which converted to sinus rhythm. Two horses that had R-on-T in the ECG died shortly after initiation of antiarrhythmic treatment. An accelerated idioventricular rhythm persisted in 1 horse for at least 8 months and failed to respond to antiarrhythmic drugs. Ventricular premature depolarizations resolved or decreased considerably in frequency in 11 horses without the administration of antiarrhythmic agents. Treatment in these horses included therapy for any underlying systemic disease, corticosteroids, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, or stall rest. The remaining horse was euthanatized several hours after hospitalization. Five horses died or were euthanatized either during hospitalization or several months after being discharged. Myocardial lesions were identified at necropsy in 2 horses.
Publication Date: 1992-10-15 PubMed ID: 1429168
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- Journal Article
Summary
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This research investigates ventricular arrhythmias in horses, characterized by Ventricular Premature Depolarizations (VPD) with a total sample of 21 cases. The study categorizes the horses based on their Electrocardiogram (ECG) results and analyzes the effects of various treatments, including antiarrhythmic drugs and therapy for underlying conditions.
Methodology and Findings
- The research involves 21 horses presenting unexplained tachycardia or an arrhythmia proven by auscultation, and all confirmed to have VPD.
- These horses are split into three groups, based on their ECG results. Seven horses had uniform isolated VPD (group 1); seven had repetitive uniform VPD at a rate of less than 100 VPD/min (group 2); and seven had multiform VPD, R-on-T phenomenon, or a rate of 100 VPD/min or more (group 3).
- Concurrent systemic disease was found in 12 horses, primarily gastrointestinal tract disorders.
- High serum cardiac isoenzyme activities were detected in six out of 13 horses tested, while all but one horse showed normal serum electrolyte concentrations.
Treatment and Outcomes
- Nine horses received antiarrhythmic medications, with six achieving conversion to sinus rhythm. However, two horses with R-on-T phenomenon died shortly after starting the treatment.
- One horse kept an accelerated idioventricular rhythm for about eight months and showed no response to antiarrhythmic drugs.
- Eleven horses showed decreased VPD frequency or complete resolution without the need for antiarrhythmic agents, after applying therapies such as treatment of underlying systemic diseases, use of corticosteroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or resting in the stable.
- Some horses didn’t survive: one was euthanized a few hours after hospitalization, and five horses either died during hospitalization or a few months after discharge.
- In two cases, horse necropsies revealed myocardial lesions.
This research provides valuable information about the identification, treatment, and outcomes of ventricular arrhythmias in horses which can potentially guide further studies and treatment options.
Cite This Article
APA
Reimer JM, Reef VB, Sweeney RW.
(1992).
Ventricular arrhythmias in horses: 21 cases (1984-1989).
J Am Vet Med Assoc, 201(8), 1237-1243.
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, New Bolton Center, Kennett Square 19348.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / therapeutic use
- Arrhythmias, Cardiac / physiopathology
- Arrhythmias, Cardiac / therapy
- Arrhythmias, Cardiac / veterinary
- Electrocardiography / veterinary
- Female
- Heart Ventricles / physiopathology
- Horse Diseases / physiopathology
- Horse Diseases / therapy
- Horses
- Male
- Retrospective Studies
Citations
This article has been cited 3 times.- Hesselkilde EZ, Almind ME, Petersen J, Flethøj M, Præstegaard KF, Buhl R. Cardiac arrhythmias and electrolyte disturbances in colic horses.. Acta Vet Scand 2014 Oct 2;56(1):58.
- Morgan RA, Raftery AG, Cripps P, Senior JM, McGowan CM. The prevalence and nature of cardiac arrhythmias in horses following general anaesthesia and surgery.. Acta Vet Scand 2011 Nov 23;53(1):62.
- Coudry V, Jean D, Desbois C, Tnibar A, Laugier C, George C. Myocardial fibrosis in a horse with polymorphic ventricular tachycardia observed during general anesthesia.. Can Vet J 2007 Jun;48(6):623-6.
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