Very Common
Less Common
OTHER DIAGNOSES CONSIDERED
Other conditions or ailments that might also need to be ruled out by a vet.
Diagnosis
Conditions or ailments that are the cause of a problem that you see - your observation.
Your vet may diagnose
Atrial Fibrillation
Summary
Atrial fibrillation is rapid and chaotic electrical activity and contraction of the atria of the heart. It can occur in a horse as a primary problem, or result from heart enlargement caused by other underlying heart disease.
The larger a horse's atrium and heart get, the greater risk for this abnormal electrical activity. In congestive heart failure, the heart enlarges significantly as it becomes overloaded.
When atrial fibrillation exists without other heart disease, it is a performance limiting (but usually not life-threatening) condition, as it reduces the overall performance of the heart. Conversion to a normal rhythm is usually done with a drug called quinidine. However, this drug has some potentially life threatening side effects itself, and is only helpful in selected cases.
The larger a horse's atrium and heart get, the greater risk for this abnormal electrical activity. In congestive heart failure, the heart enlarges significantly as it becomes overloaded.
When atrial fibrillation exists without other heart disease, it is a performance limiting (but usually not life-threatening) condition, as it reduces the overall performance of the heart. Conversion to a normal rhythm is usually done with a drug called quinidine. However, this drug has some potentially life threatening side effects itself, and is only helpful in selected cases.
my vet's role
Diagnostics Used
These are tests that might be helpful to make this diagnosis or further characterize the condition.
Treatments May Include
These treatments might be used to help resolve or improve this condition.
PROGNOSIS AND RELEVANT FACTORS
Fair, depends on the health of the heart otherwise, and the intended use of the horse. In the absence of other heart disease, the prognosis is good. There is about 20% recurrence.The longer the condition exists, the harder it is to convert and recurrence is more likely.
my role
I might observe
You might make these observations when a horse has this condition.
Very Common
Less Common
Questions To Ask Your Vet:
- Is there underlying or accompanying heart disease?
- If so, how severe is it and can it be treated?
- Will it resolve if the underlying problem is treated?
further reading & resources
Outside Resources
CREDIBLE EQUINE HEALTH INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET
