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Updated: Aug 8, 2026
28:13
Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 26, 2013
Atrial fibrillation management in a breeding stallion
N Heliczer1, K Mitchell2, O Lorello1
1Swiss Institute of Equine Medicine, Department of Veterinary Clinical Science, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern and Agroscope, Länggassstrasse 124, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland.
Summary
Atrial fibrillation (AF) in a breeding stallion was successfully managed with electrical cardioversion and sotalol hydrochloride. The anti-arrhythmic drug proved safe, maintaining semen quality and libido despite AF recurrence.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Cardiology
- Equine Medicine
Background:
- Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a cardiac arrhythmia that can affect horses.
- Breeding stallions with AF may experience performance limitations due to rapid heart rates.
Observation:
- A 20-year-old warmblood stallion was incidentally diagnosed with AF during semen collection.
- Electrocardiogram revealed tachycardia and ventricular ectopy during breeding attempts.
Findings:
- Transvenous electrical cardioversion successfully restored normal sinus rhythm.
- Sotalol hydrochloride was administered to prevent AF recurrence and manage post-cardioversion ectopy.
- The horse showed gradual improvement in supraventricular ectopy and atrial function over six months.
- AF recurred after six months, but sotalol continued to manage ventricular ectopy.
- Libido and semen quality remained unaffected by the condition or treatment.
Implications:
- Sotalol hydrochloride is a safe and effective anti-arrhythmic treatment for AF in breeding stallions.
- Management considerations for AF in breeding stallions may parallel those in riding horses.
- Early diagnosis and management of AF are crucial for maintaining reproductive soundness in stallions.
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