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Massie SL, Bezugley RJ, McDonald KJ, Léguillette R. Training vs. racing: A comparison of arrhythmias and the repeatability of findings in Thoroughbred Chuckwagon racehorses. Vet J 2023; 300-302:106040. [PMID: 37898456 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2023.106040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
Arrhythmias are commonly reported in exercising horses, however due to regulatory constraints electrocardiograms (ECGs) are acquired during training but not competition, raising questions about the repeatability of findings. The aims were (1) compare training and competition arrhythmias and (2) describe the repeatability of arrhythmias during maximal-intensity exercise. A convenience sample of 52 healthy Thoroughbreds (aged 8.7 ± 2.5 years) competing in the World Professional Chuckwagon Association were obtained, totaling 152 training or competition ECGs (2-7 ECGs/horse). Speed, heart rate (HR) and arrhythmias (supraventricular premature complex, SVPC; ventricular premature complex, VPC) were examined. Pre- and post-recovery (approximately 6 min) blood samples measured lactate and high-sensitivity troponin-T. Training and competition arrythmias were compared (Friedman's test) and reliability of repeated ECGs assessed (intraclass correlation; P < 0.05). Training vs. competition: Forty horses had clean tracing from training and competition (n = 80 ECGs); the number and type of arrhythmias were not different. In training, VPCs were present in 7/40 horses (median [interquartile range, IQR]/ECG; range; 0 [0,0]; 0-4) and 9/40 horses (0 [0,0]; 0-5) in active-recovery. In competition, VPCs were present in 7/40 horses (0 [0,0]; 0-8) and 8/40 horses (0 [0,0]; 0-5) in active-recovery. Arrhythmias were primarily single premature complexes. Training and competition speed, HR, lactate and troponin-T did not differ however, sampling was too early for peak serum Troponin-T levels. Repeatability: total arrhythmias between serial ECGs did not differ. The reliability to detect SVPCs and VPCs was poor to moderate, and poor, respectively. Overall, the total number of arrhythmias was repeatable, but the reliability of arrhythmia type was poor to moderate.
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Affiliation(s)
- S L Massie
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4Z6, Canada
| | - R J Bezugley
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4Z6, Canada
| | - K J McDonald
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4Z6, Canada
| | - R Léguillette
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4Z6, Canada.
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Ertelt A, Merle R, Stumpff F, Bollinger L, Liertz S, Weber C, Gehlen H. Evaluation of Different Blood Parameters From Endurance Horses Competing at 160 km. J Equine Vet Sci 2021; 104:103687. [PMID: 34416987 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2021.103687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to assess a change in different blood parameters before and after a 160 km endurance race and to evaluate differences in cardiac biomarkers between horses that completed the race and horses that did not. The study population consisted of 52 healthy endurance horses. Horses participating in the study were assigned to three groups: horses that successfully completed the race ("finishers"), horses that failed to qualify at the veterinary check for primarily metabolic reasons ("metabolic") and horses that failed to qualify at the veterinary check for primarily gait related reasons ("gait related"). The latter two groups were combined to form a final group of "non-finishers" that were excluded for either "gait related" or "metabolic" disorders. Venous blood samples were taken before and after the endurance race. Serum and EDTA-plasma were analyzed for cardiac troponin I (cTNI), heart fatty acid binding protein (HFABP), alpha-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (α-HBDH), atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA). Lactate dehydrogenase (P = .001), SDMA (P= .001) and ADMA (P= .002) increased significantly after the endurance race in the finisher group. A significant increase in cTNI and α-HBDH concentration after the endurance race compared to the values before the endurance race was detected in the finisher (P= .001, P= .001) and gait related group (P= .002, P= .007). The longer the distance completed, the more these five blood parameters increased. No differences between the groups could be found and none of the measured blood parameters showed significant differences among groups before or after racing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Ertelt
- Equine Clinic, Internal Medicine, Freie Universitaet Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Roswitha Merle
- Institute for Veterinary Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Freie Universitaet Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Friederike Stumpff
- Institute of Veterinary Physiology, Freie Universitaet Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lena Bollinger
- Equine Clinic, Internal Medicine, Freie Universitaet Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sarah Liertz
- Equine Clinic, Internal Medicine, Freie Universitaet Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Corinna Weber
- Laboklin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Bad Kissingen, Germany
| | - Heidrun Gehlen
- Equine Clinic, Internal Medicine, Freie Universitaet Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Henderson B, Diaz M, Martins C, Kenney D, Baird JD, Arroyo LG. Valvular endocarditis in the horse: 20 cases (1993-2020). THE CANADIAN VETERINARY JOURNAL = LA REVUE VETERINAIRE CANADIENNE 2020; 61:1290-1294. [PMID: 33299245 PMCID: PMC7659875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Medical records of 20 horses with a confirmed diagnosis of valvular endocarditis at the Ontario Veterinary College between January 1, 1993 and February 3, 2020 were reviewed. The diagnosis was based on physical examination findings, complete blood (cell) count (CBC), serum biochemistry, echocardiography, blood culture, and post-mortem findings. Common presenting signs included tachycardia, pyrexia, weight loss, lameness/joint distension, and a heart murmur. Clinicopathological findings included leukocytosis, anemia, hypoalbuminemia, hyperglobulinemia, and elevated inflammatory markers. Culture from 5 horses yielded Actinobacillus equuli in 2 cases and Actinobacillus suis in 1 case. Of the 20 horses included in this study, 17 were euthanized and 3 were treated. Only 1 case had follow-up more than 1 year after discharge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brianne Henderson
- Rivendell Equine Veterinary Services, 72 Leeson Street South, Grand Valley, Ontario L9W 5S5 (Henderson); Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1 (Diaz, Martins, Kenney, Baird, Arroyo)
| | - Manuela Diaz
- Rivendell Equine Veterinary Services, 72 Leeson Street South, Grand Valley, Ontario L9W 5S5 (Henderson); Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1 (Diaz, Martins, Kenney, Baird, Arroyo)
| | - Candace Martins
- Rivendell Equine Veterinary Services, 72 Leeson Street South, Grand Valley, Ontario L9W 5S5 (Henderson); Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1 (Diaz, Martins, Kenney, Baird, Arroyo)
| | - Daniel Kenney
- Rivendell Equine Veterinary Services, 72 Leeson Street South, Grand Valley, Ontario L9W 5S5 (Henderson); Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1 (Diaz, Martins, Kenney, Baird, Arroyo)
| | - John D Baird
- Rivendell Equine Veterinary Services, 72 Leeson Street South, Grand Valley, Ontario L9W 5S5 (Henderson); Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1 (Diaz, Martins, Kenney, Baird, Arroyo)
| | - Luis G Arroyo
- Rivendell Equine Veterinary Services, 72 Leeson Street South, Grand Valley, Ontario L9W 5S5 (Henderson); Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1 (Diaz, Martins, Kenney, Baird, Arroyo)
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Prevalence of cardiac arrhythmias and R-R interval variation in healthy Thoroughbred horses during official Chuckwagon races and recovery. Vet J 2020; 267:105583. [PMID: 33375959 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2020.105583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence and severity of cardiac arrhythmias in healthy racehorses undergoing competition is not well defined. The aim was to characterize arrhythmias in Thoroughbreds participating in official Chuckwagon races and to determine normal beat-to-beat (R-R) variability during supramaximal exercise. Electrocardiograph (ECG) recordings were obtained during pre-race, race, and active-recovery from 82 clinically healthy Thoroughbreds. ECG recordings were analyzed for arrhythmias and mean percent R-R deviation. Plasma lactate and high-sensitivity troponin (hs-cTnT) were also measured. Fifty-two ECGs were included in the analysis. Arrhythmias were seen in 48/52 horses (92%) and were predominantly isolated events. No complex rhythms were observed. During the race, 92% of horses had arrhythmias (81% supraventricular premature complex [SVPC]; 33% ventricular premature complex [VPC]). Eleven percent of racing arrhythmias were VPCs (all singlets except for two couplets). During active-recovery, 58% of horses had arrhythmias (56% SVPC; 15% VPCs): Three horses had VPC couplets and one horse had a VPC triplet. All plasma hs-cTnT were within normal limits. The measured lactate was 28.5 ± 4.5 mmol/L, confirming supramaximal exercise. R-R variation ranged between -9.5 to +18.8% during pre-race (mean heart rate [HR], 155 ± 22 beats per min [bpm]), -27.8 to +45.3% during racing (mean HR, 200 ± 9 bpm) and -16.4 to +40.1% during active-recovery (mean HR, 165 ± 14 bpm). Maximal and 1st percentile R-R shortening and lengthening were significantly greater at race than pre-race and active-recovery (P < 0.0001). Racing and active-recovery maximal R-R lengthening were significantly greater than pre-race (P = 0.0003). Supraventricular premature complexes and VPCs are prevalent in healthy horses undergoing Chuckwagon racing. R-R variation is greater during racing than has previously been described.
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Navas de Solis C. Ventricular arrhythmias in horses: Diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. Vet J 2020; 261:105476. [PMID: 32741491 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2020.105476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) are often incidental or coincidental with systemic disease. Ventricular arrhythmias are also the most likely cause of many sudden cardiac deaths in horses. This dichotomy creates challenges in the management of horses with VAs. This review presents current knowledge of diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of VAs in horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristobal Navas de Solis
- Department of Clinical Studies New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, PA 19348, USA.
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Hellings IR, Krontveit R, Øverlie M, Kallmyr A, Holm T, Fintl C. Pre- and post-race serum cardiac troponin T concentrations in Standardbred racehorses. Vet J 2020; 256:105433. [PMID: 32113587 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2020.105433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Elevated cardiac troponin T (cTnT) concentrations may provide evidence of myocardial injury but physiological post-exercise release also occurs. Reference intervals are not fully established in horses making interpretation difficult. The aims of this study were to establish an upper reference limit for serum cTnT, compare pre-and post-race serum cTnT concentrations, and to evaluate factors that may influence these in a population of healthy, race-fit Standardbred racehorses. Serum samples were collected pre- (n = 108) and 1-2 h post-racing (n = 101) and analysed using a high sensitivity-cTnT assay. Reference limits with 90% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated by non-parametric methods using the bootstrap method. Effects of sex, age, racing speed, distance, placings and track surface were assessed by fitting generalized linear models with an identity link function and inverse Gaussian distribution. The upper reference limit for serum cTnT concentration was 27.4 ng/L (90% CI 13.1-32.0). The median serum cTnT concentration was significantly higher 1-2 h post-racing compared to pre-racing (P < 0.001). Age and sex did not significantly affect serum cTnT concentrations pre-racing (P = 0.5 and P = 0.11). Cardiac troponin T concentrations were significantly higher post-racing in females (P = 0.018). Racing speed and placings had no effect on serum cTnT concentrations post-race (P = 0.71 and P = 0.66). The study contributed towards establishing an upper reference limit for serum cTnT concentrations in a population of race-fit Standardbreds and evaluated factors that may have influenced the results obtained.
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Affiliation(s)
- I R Hellings
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Biosciences, Department of Companion Animal Clinical Sciences, Post Box 8146 Dep., 0033 Oslo, Norway.
| | - R Krontveit
- Norwegian Medicine Agency, Post Box 240 Skøyen, 0213 Oslo, Norway
| | - M Øverlie
- Rikstotoklinikken Bjerke, Post Box 194 Økern, 0510 Oslo, Norway
| | - A Kallmyr
- Rikstotoklinikken Bjerke, Post Box 194 Økern, 0510 Oslo, Norway
| | - T Holm
- Evidensia Lørenskog Dyreklinikk, Solheimveien 56, 1473 Lørenskog, Norway
| | - C Fintl
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Biosciences, Department of Companion Animal Clinical Sciences, Post Box 8146 Dep., 0033 Oslo, Norway
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Navas de Solis C. Cardiovascular Response to Exercise and Training, Exercise Testing in Horses. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 2019; 35:159-173. [PMID: 30871829 DOI: 10.1016/j.cveq.2018.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The physiology of exercise and training is fascinating, and hundreds of interesting studies have given insight into its mechanisms. Exercise testing is a useful clinical tool that can help veterinarians assess poor performance, fitness, and performance potential and prevent injuries. The clinically applicable aspects of cardiovascular adaptions to training and exercise testing are highlighted in this review. Different exercise tests should be used to evaluate horses performing in different disciplines and levels. Exercise tests that simultaneously assess several body systems can be beneficial when assessing poor performance, because this is often a multifactorial problem with signs not detectable at rest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristobal Navas de Solis
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4475 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-4475, USA.
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Abstract
Despite advances, increased convenience, and availability of echocardiography and other diagnostic techniques in equine cardiology, a comprehensive history and clinical examination still forms the essential first step in any cardiac evaluation. This article summarizes the approach to the cardiac examination at rest, highlighting key areas for the clinician to assess, and stressing the importance of context for assessing the significance of any abnormalities detected. Ancillary techniques, such as blood pressure measurement and the laboratory assessment of cardiac disease in the horse, are also introduced.
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