Uhlendorf F, Gehlen H, Stadler P. [Comparison of different electrocardiographic techniques for the detection of arrhythmias in horses].
Tierarztl Prax Ausg G Grosstiere Nutztiere 2013;
41:305-314. [PMID:
24126999]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2012] [Accepted: 07/12/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to extend the range of the electrocardiographic examination in horses, evaluating the practicability of special electrocardiographic techniques (exercise- and Holter-ECG) and comparing these with more common techniques (resting-ECG) in equine medicine.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Electrocardiographic examination (resting-ECG for 1 minute, exercise-ECG and Holter-ECG) was performed in 20 horses without any clinical or echocardiographic findings and in 80 patients with abnormal findings (valvular regurgitation and/or atrial fibrillation).
RESULTS
In comparison with the resting-ECG, the exercise-ECG demonstrated more atrial and ventricular premature beats, while the Holter-ECG had a higher detection rate of 2nd degree atrioventricular or sinuatrial blocks, and of ventricular and atrial premature depolarisations (p < 0.001). In comparison to the exercise-ECG, the Holter-ECG registered more 2nd degree atrioventricular blocks (p < 0.001) and ventricular (p < 0.001) or atrial premature contractions (p < 0.01). Atrial fibrillation was detected in every recorded ECG-type, but Holter-ECG provided additional information. Three of 16 horses with atrial fibrillation had R-on-T-episodes during Holter-monitoring. In addition to more common findings in the ECG, Holter-monitoring detected a 2nd degree atrioventricular block associated with an adjacent ventricular escape beat in a horse without any clinical or echocardiographic findings. An accelerated idioventricular rhythm was identified in a horse without any clinical or echocardiographic findings and in a horse with mitral valve insufficiency.
CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE
The Holter-ECG is a useful tool in the evaluation of heart disease and could supply additional information when compared to the usual diagnostic electrocardiographic procedures used in horses. Exercise-ECG should not be replaced by Holter-ECG, however, Holter-EGC can provide additional diagnostic value.
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