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Vernemmen I, Van Steenkiste G, Buschmann E, Cornelis K, Schauvliege S, Ibrahim L, Decloedt A, van Loon G. Development of an atrial transseptal puncture procedure in horses to access the left heart: An ultrasound-guided jugular vein and transhepatic approach. Equine Vet J 2024. [PMID: 38522423 DOI: 10.1111/evj.14084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Radiofrequency ablation has been successfully applied to treat right atrial arrhythmias in horses. Ablation of left-sided arrhythmias requires a retrograde transarterial approach which is complicated. In human medicine, the left atrium is accessed through transseptal puncture (TSP) of the fossa ovalis (FO) using a caudal approach via the femoral vein. OBJECTIVES To develop a zero fluoroscopy TSP technique for horses using a jugular vein (cranial) and transhepatic (caudal) approach. STUDY DESIGN In vivo experimental study. METHODS Transseptal puncture was performed in 18 horses admitted for euthanasia and donated for scientific research under general anaesthesia: using a jugular vein approach (10 horses), a transhepatic approach (2 horses) or both (6 horses). Radiofrequency energy was applied on a guidewire to perforate the FO and allow sheath advancement under intracardiac and transthoracic echocardiographic guidance. Puncture lesions were inspected post-mortem. RESULTS Transseptal puncture was successful in 17/18 horses, of which 15/16 jugular vein approaches and 5/8 transhepatic approaches. Failure was due to technical malfunction, inability to advance the guidewire toward the heart and inability to advance the sheath through the FO. Intracardiac echocardiography was essential to safely guide the puncture process. Atrial arrhythmias caused by the TSP occurred in 13/18 horses. Puncture lesions were found in the right atrium in the FO region, and left atrium ventral to pulmonary vein ostium III. MAIN LIMITATIONS Because in several horses two approaches were tested consecutively, it cannot be excluded that the second TSP was performed at the previous puncture site. Due to the developmental nature of the study the approaches were not randomised and did not allow comparison. CONCLUSION Transseptal puncture is feasible in horses using ultrasound guidance and allows for electrophysiological exploration of the left heart. Further studies are needed to evaluate post-operative follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Vernemmen
- Equine Cardioteam Ghent, Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Glenn Van Steenkiste
- Equine Cardioteam Ghent, Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Eva Buschmann
- Equine Cardioteam Ghent, Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kristoff Cornelis
- Cardiology Department, Maria Middelares Heart Centre, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stijn Schauvliege
- Department of Surgery and Anaesthesiology of Domestic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lara Ibrahim
- Department of Morphology, Imaging, Orthopedics, Rehabilitation and Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Annelies Decloedt
- Equine Cardioteam Ghent, Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Gunther van Loon
- Equine Cardioteam Ghent, Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Durando MM, Slack J, Birks E, Belcher C, Kohn C. Premature depolarisations in horses competing in United States Eventing Association and Fédération Equestre Internationale-sanctioned 3-day events. Equine Vet J 2024; 56:59-68. [PMID: 37248851 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Injuries and sudden death during the cross-country (XC) phase of eventing have raised interest in the frequency and types of cardiac arrhythmias occurring in these equine athletes. OBJECTIVES To characterise the frequency and types of rhythm disturbances and examine possible risk factors for premature depolarisations (PDs) occurring during the XC phase of United States Eventing Association (USEA) and Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI)-sanctioned events. STUDY DESIGN Prospective, cross-sectional study. METHODS Continuous electrocardiographic (ECG) recordings were obtained from horses prior to, during and immediately following the XC competition. Physiological rhythms pre-XC were included in the arrhythmia group for analysis. The frequency of PDs was calculated for all horses, as well as by division. PDs were categorised by complexity (singles, couplets, triplets, complex) and variably grouped for statistical analysis. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for the presence of specific cardiac arrhythmia groupings during XC. RESULTS PDs were identified in 42/75 horses (56% [45, 67]) during XC. Horses competing in the upper divisions of eventing had higher odds for having any PD during XC compared to the lower divisions (OR = 17.5 [4.3, 72.01], p = 0.006). The amount of time the heart rate (HR) was greater than 199 beats per minute (BPM) was associated with more complex arrhythmias (triplets, salvos and tachyarrhythmias) (OR = 1.01 [1.0, 1.02], p = 0.005). An arrhythmia at rest (physiological or PD) was associated with arrhythmia in the early recovery period (OR = 3.5 [1.1, 10.8], p = 0.03). MAIN LIMITATIONS Convenience sampling and technical challenges of continuous ECG recordings under competition settings limited the number of enrollments. CONCLUSIONS PDs were seen in a high percentage of horses during the XC competition. Upper levels and time the HR was greater than 199 BPM were related to PD presence and complexity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary M Durando
- Equine Sports Medicine Consultants, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Joann Slack
- New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Eric Birks
- Equine Sports Medicine Consultants, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Carolyn Belcher
- Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Coastal Resources Division, Brunswick, Georgia, USA
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Nath LC, Elliott A, La Gerche A, Weir J, Forbes G, Thomas G, Franklin S. Associations between postrace atrial fibrillation and measures of performance, racing history and airway disease in horses. J Vet Intern Med 2023; 37:2573-2583. [PMID: 37740606 PMCID: PMC10658555 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common performance limiting arrhythmia in racehorses. High dose exercise and airway disease promote AF in humans. Few studies have investigated epidemiological factors associated with AF in horses. OBJECTIVES Explore variables relating to performance, exercise volume and postrace endoscopic findings in horses with AF. ANIMALS A total of 164 horses with poor race performance and postrace AF were compared to 321 horses with poor performance without AF (PP) and 314 horses performing to expectation (TE). METHODS Horse-level and race-level variables for horses racing in Australia and Hong Kong from 2009 to 2021 were compared using univariable and multivariable logistic regression. Postrace endoscopic exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH) and tracheal mucus accumulation (TMA) grades for AF and PP horses were compared using chi-squared analysis. RESULTS Variables that were significant in the multivariable model of AF compared to TE were distance (lengths) behind the winner, (odds ratio [OR]; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.41 [1.32-1.51], P < .0001), cumulative prize money per start before the event (OR [95% CI] 1.02 [1.01-1.03], P = .01) and age (OR [95% CI] 0.72 [0.55-0.92], P = .01). More AF horses had EIPH grade ≥ 3 (23/109; 21.1%) than PP horses (7/213; 3.3%; OR [95%CI] 7.9 [3.3-20.2], P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Acute race performance was substantially impaired by AF but career earnings before the event were not inferior. Exercise volume did not promote AF. Higher grades of EIPH found in AF horses suggests a mechanistic relationship between these conditions.
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Hammond A, Sage W, Hezzell M, Smith S, Franklin S, Allen K. Heart rate variability during high-speed treadmill exercise and recovery in Thoroughbred racehorses presented for poor performance. Equine Vet J 2023; 55:727-737. [PMID: 36537845 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heart rate variability (HRV) analysis measures the inter-beat interval variation of successive cardiac cycles. Measurement of these indices has been used to assess cardiac autonomic modulation and for arrhythmia identification in exercising horses. OBJECTIVES To report HRV indices during submaximal exercise, strenuous exercise and recovery, and explore relationships with clinical conditions (arrhythmias, lameness, equine gastric ulcer syndrome [EGUS], lower airway inflammation and upper respiratory tract obstructions [URTOs]) in Thoroughbred racehorses. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective, observational cross-sectional study. METHODS One hundred and eighty Thoroughbred horses underwent a treadmill exercise test with simultaneous electrocardiographic recording. Time-domain HRV indices (standard deviation of the R-R interval [SDRR]; root mean square of successive differences [RMSSD]) were derived for submaximal and strenuous exercise and recovery segments. Clinical conditions (arrhythmia [during each phase of exercise], lameness, EGUS, lower airway inflammation and URTO) were assigned to binary categories for statistical analysis. Relationships between selected HRV indices and the clinical conditions were explored using linear regression models. RESULTS During submaximal exercise, lameness was associated with decreased logRMSSD (B = -0.19 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.31 to -0.06, p = 0.006) and arrhythmia was associated with increased logRMSSD (B = 0.31 95% CI 0.01-0.608, p = 0.04). During strenuous exercise, arrhythmia was associated with increased HRV indices (logSDRR B = 0.51 95% CI 0.40-0.62, p < 0.001; RMSSD B = 0.60 95% CI 0.49-0.72, p < 0.001). During recovery, arrhythmia was associated with increased HRV indices (logSDRR B = 0.51 95% CI 0.40-0.62, p < 0.001, logRMSSD B = 0.60 95% CI 0.49-0.72, p < 0.001). MAIN LIMITATIONS The main limitations of this retrospective study were that not every horse had the full range of clinical testing, therefore some horses may have had undetected abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS The presence of arrhythmia increased HRV in both phases of exercise and recovery. Lameness decreased HRV during submaximal exercise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Hammond
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Perth Equine Vets, Perth, UK
| | - William Sage
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Melanie Hezzell
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Sarah Smith
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- B&W Equine, Gloucestershire, UK
| | - Samantha Franklin
- School of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Kate Allen
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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Santosuosso E, David F, Massie S, Filho SA, McCrae P, Johnson S, Leguillette R. Frequency of cardiac arrhythmias in horses during straight and untethered swimming. Equine Vet J 2023; 55:738-746. [PMID: 36273248 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiac arrhythmias have not been previously reported in horses while swimming. OBJECTIVES To describe the type and frequency of encountered arrhythmias during repetitive swimming cycles. STUDY DESIGN Descriptive observational study. METHODS Sixteen horses swam five pool lengths (75 m), each separated by an active recovery walk. Continuous electrocardiograms (ECGs) were recorded (n = 80) and analysed during the pre-swim, swim and active-recovery periods. Arrhythmias were categorised as sinus arrhythmia (SA), sinus block, sinus pause (compensatory and non-compensatory), second degree atrioventricular block (2AVB) for physiological arrhythmias, supraventricular premature depolarisation (SVPD) and ventricular premature depolarisation (VPD) for non-physiological arrhythmias. A linear mixed-effects model was used to examine the effects of repetitive swim lengths on arrhythmias and swimming parameters. Data were reported as median [interquartile range]. RESULTS Fifteen horses (94%) experienced at least one arrhythmia; however, the frequency remained low and 2AVB were only observed during the pre-swim period. The swimming heart rate (HR) was 162 bpm [141;173]. Sinus blocks, sinus pauses, SA, SVPD and VPD were all recorded at least once during swimming. Except for one VPD couplet, all premature depolarisations were isolated. During active-recovery, the HR was 105 bpm [103;106], with SA observed in 13 horses (81%), isolated SVPD in six horses (38%), sinus pause in one horse (6%) but no VPD present. MAIN LIMITATIONS Limited number of horses precluding population prevalence assessment. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE High-quality underwater ECGs were acquired in swimming horses for the first time. The frequency of arrhythmias remained low and rare pathological arrhythmias were observed during repetitive swimming and active-recovery cycles. Swimming with active-recovery periods is not a high-risk cardio-arrhythmic exercise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Santosuosso
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Florent David
- Equine Veterinary Medical Center, Member of Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Shannon Massie
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Silvio A Filho
- Al Shaqab - Endurance Department, Member of Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Persephone McCrae
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Sarah Johnson
- Equine Veterinary Medical Center, Member of Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Renaud Leguillette
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Ellis KL, Contino EK, Nout‐Lomas YS. Poor performance in the horse: Diagnosing the non‐orthopaedic causes. EQUINE VET EDUC 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/eve.13712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine L. Ellis
- Gail Holmes Equine Orthopedic Research Center, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Colorado State University Fort Collins Colorado USA
| | - Erin K. Contino
- Gail Holmes Equine Orthopedic Research Center, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Colorado State University Fort Collins Colorado USA
| | - Yvette S. Nout‐Lomas
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Colorado State University Fort Collins Colorado USA
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Nath L, Stent A, Elliott A, La Gerche A, Franklin S. Risk Factors for Exercise-Associated Sudden Cardiac Death in Thoroughbred Racehorses. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12101297. [PMID: 35625143 PMCID: PMC9137751 DOI: 10.3390/ani12101297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiac arrhythmias resulting in sudden cardiac death (SCD) are an important cause of racehorse fatalities. The objective of this study was to determine risk factors for SCD in Thoroughbreds by evaluating a sample with a policy of mandatory post-mortem following racing or training fatalities. Risk factors were compared between case horses with SCD (n = 57) and control horses with other fatal injury (OFI, n = 188) by univariable and multivariable logistic regression. Survival in years for horses with SCD was compared to OFI using the Kaplan−Meier method with log rank test. The following variables were most important in the multiple logistic model: Horses with SCD were more likely to die during training than during racing, SCD (42/57, 74%) vs. OFI (82/188, 44%; odds ratio [OR], 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.5, 1.2−5.4; p = 0.01), had fewer lifetime starts, median (interquartile range [IQR]), SCD (3.0 [0.0−9.0]) vs. OFI (9.0 [0.0−22.8]; OR, 95% CI, 0.96, 0.9−1.0; p = 0.02 and were less likely to be entire (uncastrated) males, SCD 9/57 (16%) vs. OFI (46/188, 25%; OR, 95% CI, 0.47, 0.1−0.9; p = 0.03). Survival in years (median (IQR)) for horses with SCD was 3.6 (3.1−4.4), which was shorter than OFI (4.5 [3.1−6.0], hazard ratio, 95%CI, 1.6,1.2−2.3; p < 0.001). SCD occurs more commonly in training than racing, which suggests exercise intensity is less important in precipitating this fatality. In this study, SCD occurred early in the careers of affected horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Nath
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy 5371, Australia;
- Correspondence:
| | - Andrew Stent
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Werribee 3030, Australia;
| | - Adrian Elliott
- Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia;
| | - Andre La Gerche
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne 3004, Australia;
| | - Samantha Franklin
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy 5371, Australia;
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Kenchaiwong W, Sangpo P, Kusol A, Pontaema T, Lerdweeraphon W. The position of ground electrode affects electrocardiographic parameters in horses. Vet World 2022; 15:1107-1112. [PMID: 35698497 PMCID: PMC9178585 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2022.1107-1112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: Improper attachment of the grounding lead is one of the artifacts and causes difficulty in interpretation of ECG. This study aimed to examine the effects of the position of a ground electrode on electrocardiographic (ECG) parameters in horses. Materials and Methods: Sixteen Arabian horses without any cardiac problems were included in this study. The animals were divided into two groups, the base-apex lead method 1 (BA1 method) and the base-apex lead method 2 (BA2 method) with the reposition of the ground limb electrode to the xiphoid. ECG recordings (paper speed=25 mm/s and calibration=10 mm/mV) were performed to obtain six limb leads (leads I, II, III, aVR, aVL, and aVF). The amplitude and duration of P waves and QRS complexes, PR interval, QT interval, and T duration were analyzed. T wave morphology was observed. Heart rate was evaluated by using R-R interval in each recording. Results: Heart rate, P duration and amplitude, PR interval and T duration, and QRS duration and amplitude were not significantly different between the BA1 and the BA2 method, except that the BA2 method had a significantly higher QT interval than did the BA1 method (p<0.05). A higher significance of the percentage of coefficient of variation was seen on the P wave amplitude and the ORS amplitude in the BA1 method when compared to BA2 method (p<0.05). Conclusion: These data indicated that base-apex lead method with reposition of the ground limb electrode to the xiphoid can decrease variation of ECG configuration and might be useful for routine ECG evaluation and monitoring in horses. The limitation of this study was the evaluation of cardiac morphology and function by echocardiography to exclude cardiac problems. In further, the studies should examine the effect of breed, age, body weight, and sex on electrocardiography parameters in horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wootichai Kenchaiwong
- Applied Animal Physiology Research Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahasarakham University, Thailand; Small Ruminant Research Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahasarakham University, Thailand; Network Center for Animal Breeding and Omics Research, Khon Kaen University, Thailand
| | - Pamika Sangpo
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahasarakham University, Thailand
| | - Anawach Kusol
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahasarakham University, Thailand
| | - Theerapong Pontaema
- Applied Animal Physiology Research Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahasarakham University, Thailand
| | - Wichaporn Lerdweeraphon
- Applied Animal Physiology Research Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahasarakham University, Thailand; Small Ruminant Research Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahasarakham University, Thailand
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ter Woort F, Dubois G, Tansley G, Didier M, Verdegaal E, Franklin S, Van Erck‐Westergren E. Validation of an equine fitness tracker: ECG quality and arrhythmia detection. Equine Vet J 2022; 55:336-343. [PMID: 35138653 PMCID: PMC10078706 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiac arrhythmias in exercising horses are the focus of much interest, both in terms of what is considered normal and potential associations with poor performance and sudden cardiac death. One barrier to performing large-scale studies is the lack of an easily applicable device, to allow recording of large numbers of high-quality exercising electrocardiograms (ECGs). The EquimetreTM is a new wearable device which records a single lead ECG, amongst other parameters. Validation of such wearable devices is essential before further studies are undertaken. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the quality of ECG using the EquimetreTM and compare arrhythmia detection during exercise with the reference TelevetTM system. STUDY DESIGN Prospective blinded clinical study. METHODS Simultaneous ECGs were recorded with both systems in 49 healthy horses during exercise. High intensity exercise (>40km/h) was performed by 29 racehorses, and lower intensity exercise for the remainder of the racehorses and show jumpers. Tracings were excluded if >10% artefact was present (duration of artefact relative to duration of exercise). For included ECGs, the duration of artefact was recorded and compared. ECGs were evaluated using Kubios premium software. Arrhythmia detection (yes/no) and arrhythmia classification (sinus arrhythmia, narrow complex of similar morphology to the sinus complexes or wide complex with a different morphology) were compared using Cohen's Kappa coefficient. RESULTS Nine TelevetTM ECGs and 3 EquimetreTM ECGs were excluded due to artefact >10%. TelevetTM ECGs included significantly more artefact during exercise than EquimetreTM ECGs (5% vs. 0.25% p<0.001). Arrhythmia analysis was performed on 38 horses' paired ECGs. The Kappa coefficient was excellent for arrhythmia detection (K=0.97) and arrhythmia classification (K=0.93). MAIN LIMITATIONS Relatively low numbers of horses with arrhythmias (n=21) were included. The ECG recordings only provided one lead, making arrhythmia classification challenging in some cases. CONCLUSIONS The Equimetre device provides a reliable ECG for arrhythmia detection during exercise. This system may be useful clinically and for future large-scale investigations into the occurrence and significance of exercising arrhythmias.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Grace Tansley
- Equine Health and Performance CenterUniversity of Adelaide, Roseworthy CampusRoseworthySouth AustraliaAustralia
| | | | - Elisabeth‐Lidwien Verdegaal
- Equine Health and Performance CenterUniversity of Adelaide, Roseworthy CampusRoseworthySouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Samantha Franklin
- Equine Health and Performance CenterUniversity of Adelaide, Roseworthy CampusRoseworthySouth AustraliaAustralia
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Evaluation of Cardiac Arrhythmias before, during, and after Treadmill Exercise Testing in Poorly Performing Standardbred Racehorses. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11082413. [PMID: 34438870 PMCID: PMC8388799 DOI: 10.3390/ani11082413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of significant arrhythmias in sport horses and knowledge about their exact influence on athletic performance need to be clarified. The aims of the present study are to report the prevalence of cardiac arrhythmias during maximal treadmill exercise in poorly performing Standardbreds, and to investigate the possible relationship of demographic, cardiac and performance indices on premature complexes (PCs). Electrocardiographic Holter recordings before, during and after treadmill exercise testing of 158 poorly performing Standardbreds were analyzed retrospectively. Fifty horses did not have any type of arrhythmia. One hundred and eight horses had at least one type of arrhythmia, such as sinus arrhythmia (8.2%), sinoatrial block (3.2%), second-degree atrioventricular block (33.5%), supraventricular PCs (7.6%), and ventricular PCs (48.1%). A multiple regression analysis showed weak evidence that the occurrence of premature complexes decreases as the minimum heart rate increases, and a tendency for these arrhythmias to increase with increasing age and maximum lactate concentration. Our results suggest that PCs are frequent in poorly performing Standardbred racehorses, but further studies are necessary to clarify their role and clinical significance.
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Wright S. Highlights of recent clinically relevant papers. EQUINE VET EDUC 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/eve.13422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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