Open AccessAtrial Fibrillation in Eight New World Camelids
Author(s) -
Bozorgmanesh R.,
Magdesian K.G.,
Estell K.E.,
Stern J.A.,
Swain E.A.,
Griffiths L.G.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
journal of veterinary internal medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.356
H-Index - 103
eISSN - 1939-1676
pISSN - 0891-6640
DOI - 10.1111/jvim.13798
Subject(s) - medicine , atrial fibrillation , cardioversion , cardiology , amiodarone , physical examination , heart disease
Background There is limited information on the incidence of clinical signs, concurrent illness and treatment options for atrial fibrillation ( AF ) in New World Camelids ( NWC ). Objective Describe clinical signs and outcome of AF in NWC . Animals Eight New World Camelids admitted with AF . Methods A retrospective observational study of camelids diagnosed with AF based on characteristic findings on electrocardiogram ( ECG ). Results All animals had an irregularly irregular heart rhythm detected on physical examination and 4 cases had obtunded mentation on admission. Three camelids were diagnosed with AF secondary to oleander intoxication, 3 animals had underlying cardiovascular disease, 1 was diagnosed with lone AF and 1 had AF diagnosed on examination for a urethral obstruction. Five of eight animals survived to discharge and nonsurvivors consisted of animals which died or were euthanized as a result of cardiovascular disease (2/8) or extra‐cardiac disease unrelated to the AF (1/8). Conclusions and Clinical Importance Atrial fibrillation occurs in NWC in association with cardiovascular disease, extra‐cardiac disease or as lone AF . Amiodarone and transthoracic cardioversion were attempted in one llama with lone AF , but were unsuccessful. Atrial fibrillation was recorded in 0.1% of admissions.