Equine Cardiology

Question 1

What are common non-pathologic heart arrhythmias in healthy (athletic) horses?

Answer 1

2* AV block

Question 2

What are characteristics of a 2* AV block on ECG?

Answer 2

Slow normal HR, normal QRS, P-waves not always followed by QRS

Question 3

How do you treat a 2* AV block in a healthy horse?

Answer 3

None

Question 4

How can you diagnose a 2* AV block in a healthy horse on auscultation?

Answer 4

Regular rhythm w/dropped beats

Question 5

What is the most common pathologic arrhythmia in horses?

Answer 5

A-fib

Question 6

What are characteristics of A-fib on ECG?

Answer 6

High normal HR, normal QRS, irregular R-R, no P-waves just fibrillation waves

Question 7

What are clinical signs of A-fib?

Answer 7

None, exercise intolerance/poor performance

Question 8

How do you treat A-fib?

Answer 8

None if asymptomatic, quinidine

Question 9

What are side effects of quinidine in horses?

Answer 9

D+, colic, laminitis

Question 10

How common is it to see side effects of quinidine administration in horses?

Answer 10

Common