Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in a racehorse

A 4-year-old thoroughbred stallion with a history of loss of racing form was studied over a period of approximately 7 months. At the initial examination he showed positive T waves in 1 chest lead and wandering of the pacemaker. This was followed by an episode of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation which disappeared spontaneously and was replaced by significant T wave changes in all the chest leads. During a period when these changes persisted, there was progressive lengthening of the P wave and the P-R interval. Because the last ECG showed evidence of intra-atrial block, first degree A-V block and T wave changes, the owner was advised that a fluctuating myocarditis was affecting the horse's performance and it was retired to stud. This appears to be the first report of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in Australia, and it demonstrates the value of regular follow-up examinations in horses with initial electrocardiographs showing only minor departures from normal. The case also suggests that when sharp reversals of racing form occur, the possibility of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation being the cause should be kept in mind.