Related Experiment Videos
Postsurgical ventricular tachycardia in a horse.
J L Garber1, V B Reef, J M Reimer
1Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square 19348.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
|October 1, 1992
Summary
A Thoroughbred racehorse experienced ventricular tachycardia post-surgery. Treatment with quinidine gluconate infusion successfully restored normal heart rhythm after 12 hours.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Cardiology
- Equine Surgery
- Anesthesiology
Background:
- Ventricular tachycardia is a serious cardiac arrhythmia that can occur in horses.
- Laryngoplasty and ventriculectomy are surgical procedures sometimes performed on Thoroughbreds.
- Halothane anesthesia has been associated with cardiac events in horses.
Observation:
- A 2-year-old Thoroughbred racehorse developed ventricular tachycardia following elective laryngoplasty and ventriculectomy.
- The horse experienced fever and transient hypercarbia during anesthesia with halothane.
- Continuous electrocardiographic monitoring was employed.
Findings:
- Intravenous infusion of quinidine gluconate was administered for treatment.
- Conversion of ventricular tachycardia to a normal sinus rhythm was achieved after 12 hours of treatment.
- The specific cause of the arrhythmia remained undetermined.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for ventricular tachycardia in horses undergoing specific surgical procedures and anesthesia.
- Quinidine gluconate is an effective treatment for ventricular tachycardia in equine patients.
- Further research may be needed to identify specific risk factors and inciting causes for arrhythmias in surgical horses.