Veterinarians at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine successfully used a technique called transvenous electrical cardioversion (TVEC) to treat a horse suffering from atrial fibrillation, a common and dangerous heart rhythm disorder in horses. Dr. Kelly Wiggen, a cardiology specialist, explained that atrial fibrillation disrupts the heart’s organized rhythm, leading to chaotic beats that can cause dangerous spikes in heart rate during exercise, risking collapse for both horse and rider.
When horses are brought to MU’s Veterinary Health Clinic with symptoms of this condition, specialists, including Dr. Lynn Martin, conduct a thorough evaluation to identify any underlying factors beyond just the heart itself. The innovative TVEC procedure, which is minimally invasive, involves inserting introducers into the horse’s right jugular vein to position electrodes within the heart. Using echocardiograms and other imaging tools, veterinarians can confirm electrode placement before delivering electrical shocks to restore normal rhythm.
With a high success rate of approximately 95%, TVEC offers a promising option for treating equine atrial fibrillation, though it is not widely available across the region. The collaborative efforts of MU’s specialists allow for this advanced treatment, marking a significant step forward in veterinary cardiology for horses.
