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Arrhythmias- when are we concerned?
What is a an arrhythmia?
Any disturbance in the normal electrical conduction and rhythm of the heart. This can develop from a structural change in the heart (enlargement), electrolyte imbalances, inflammation, toxins and sometimes idiopathic (we dont know).
There are some arrhythmia's that can be a normal finding - for example- second degree AV block which is a dropped beat that happens at rest but goes away during exercise (very common finding). And some arrhythmias can occur very infrequently and not necessarily be a problem for the horse. However arrhythmias can be very serious and lead to sudden death.
How is an arrhythmia diagnosed?
Your veterinarian may hear an abnormal rhythm during routine listening of the heart. They may run an ECG or refer you to a specialist for a cardiac evaluation that would include an ECG. Once the type of arrhythmia is determined than further diagnostics may be recommended such as anechocardiograph (ultrasound of the heart), ECG performed during exercise or for a 24 hour period in the stall. These are accomplished with a holter monitor that is attached to the horse and records the ECG.
Exercising ECG.
A holter monitor is attached to the horse and the horse can either be longed or a saddle can be placed on top of the holter and the horse can be ridden. The ECG is recorded during the entire period of exercise and evaluated for any concerning rhythm disturbances.
Why is this test important?
Some arrhythmia’s are more serious than others and can lead to sudden collapse or death putting the rider and horse at extreme risk.
Example- Atrial fibrillation is one of the most common arrhythmias that occurs in horses. This usually occurs when there is a leak at the mitral valve (see prior post on murmurs), causing blood to flow backwards into the left atrium and subsequent enlargement of the atrium. The stretching of the atrium causes an abnormal electrical conduction so instea
Echocardiography in the comfort of your own barn! 🐎🩺❤
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🎶: @demongummies
📽: @hedgewood_farms
#dramypolkes #equineimed #equinecardiology #equineinternalmedicine #equineinternalmedicinespecialistmobile
🐎🩺🫀
Arrhythmias- when are we concerned?
What is a an arrhythmia?
Any disturbance in the normal electrical conduction and rhythm of the heart. This can develop from a structural change in the heart (enlargement), electrolyte imbalances, inflammation, toxins and sometimes idiopathic (we dont know).
There are some arrhythmia's that can be a normal finding - for example- second degree AV block which is a dropped beat that happens at rest but goes away during exercise (very common finding). And some arrhythmias can occur very infrequently and not necessarily be a problem for the horse. However arrhythmias can be very serious and lead to sudden death.
How is an arrhythmia diagnosed?
Your veterinarian may hear an abnormal rhythm during routine listening of the heart. They may run an ECG or refer you to a specialist for a cardiac evaluation that would include an ECG. Once the type of arrhythmia is determined than further diagnostics may be recommended such as anechocardiograph (ultrasound of the heart), ECG performed during exercise or for a 24 hour period in the stall. These are accomplished with a holter monitor that is attached to the horse and records the ECG.
Exercising ECG.
A holter monitor is attached to the horse and the horse can either be longed or a saddle can be placed on top of the holter and the horse can be ridden. The ECG is recorded during the entire period of exercise and evaluated for any concerning rhythm disturbances.
Why is this test important?
Some arrhythmia’s are more serious than others and can lead to sudden collapse or death putting the rider and horse at extreme risk.
Example- Atrial fibrillation is one of the most common arrhythmias that occurs in horses. This usually occurs when there is a leak at the mitral valve (see prior post on murmurs), causing blood to flow backwards into the left atrium and subsequent enlargement of the atrium. The stretching of the atrium causes an abnormal electrical conduction so instea
An unusual finding during gastroscopy!
Tapeworms are often found in the cecum and can lead to serious gastrointestinal disease when in large numbers. Tapeworm segments are difficult to find on routine fecal exams as they often do not show up in the manure but remain attached in the intestine.
The deworming program to get tapeworms must include Praziquantel - found in Zimectrin Gold, Equimax and Quest Plus or a double dose of Strongid (2 tubes at once).
Please consult your veterinarian if you have questions about your deworming program!
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#equineimed #dramypolkes #equineinternalmedicine #equinegastroscopy #equinehealth #equinevet #tapewormthursday
