Electrical cardioversion of a horse

Some of the veterinary members of the Copenhagen Equine Group are involved in the treatment of horses suffering from the cardiac arrhythmia; Atrial Fibrillation (AF).

In horses, the condition causes poor performance and is currently treated in one of two ways: 1) medically and  2) electrically.

As the traditional medical option often involves severe side effects leading to abruption of the treatment, other solutions are required. Consequently, electrical cardioversion is becoming more and more attractive. However, this procedure requires a specialized team with the right set of technical skills and knowledge.

Thanks to years of development and training conducted by the members of the Equine Cardiac Group in Copenhagen, this treatment modality is now available at the Large Animal University Hospital in Taastrup. Shortly the procedure is conducted in horses in full anesthesia. Prior to deep sedation two thin wires are placed in the heart through a blood vessel. Once the horse is in anesthesia and placed carefully, an electrical shock is delivered to the heart – resetting the rhythm.

The success rate of this treatment modality is 98% even in horses who suffered from AF for a long period.

For more information, please contact Professor Rikke Buhl rib@sund.ku.dk.