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Updated: Dec 3, 2025

Sterile Pericarditis in Aachener Minipigs As a Model for Atrial Myopathy and Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: September 24, 2021
Diagnosis and management of canine atrial fibrillation
Brigite Pedro1, Ana Patrícia Fontes-Sousa2, Anna R Gelzer3
1Willows Veterinary Centre and Referral Service, Highlands Road, Solihull, West Midlands B90 4NH, UK.
Abstract:
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common non-physiological arrhythmia in dogs and humans. Its high prevalence in both species and the impact it has on survival time and quality of life of affected patients, makes it a very relevant topic for medical research. In dogs, the diagnosis of AF is usually fairly straightforward, but optimal management can be complicated. Rate control is the most commonly used strategy; rhythm control can also be considered in very specific cases. Concurrent congestive heart failure is frequently identified, which represents an extra challenge for the clinicians. This article reviews the current recommendations for the diagnosis and management considerations of AF in dogs. Future perspectives, focusing on new drugs that may prevent development of AF based on recent discoveries, will also be discussed.
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