Atrial Fibrillation in Horses

Vocabulary flashcards covering the clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and predisposing factors of atrial fibrillation (AF) in horses.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) - Athletic Horses Presentation

Presents as exercise intolerance and exercise-induced epistaxis.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) - Pleasure/Idle Horses Presentation

Typically discovered as an incidental finding.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) - Auscultation Finding

An irregularly irregular heartbeat.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) - ECG Diagnostic Criteria

Absence of P waves, presence of fibrillation (f) waves with relatively normal-appearing QRS complexes, and an irregular R-R interval.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) - Treatment Contraindications

Arrhythmia should not be treated if there is underlying cardiac disease (due to lack of efficacy and increased risk of fatal arrhythmia) or if the horse is retired.

"Lone" Atrial Fibrillation (AF)

Atrial fibrillation occurring without underlying cardiac disease; indicated for treatment if athletic performance is desired.

Quinidine

A medication administered IV or PO used for medical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation in horses.

Transvenous Electrical Cardioversion

A therapeutic procedure for atrial fibrillation in horses that requires general anesthesia.

Atrial Fibrillation (AF) Predisposing Factors in Normal Horses

Large atrial size and high vagal tone.