“I understand that there are many, many undiagnosed cases, because typically horses are only examined for lameness or cuts or eye problems, not for their heart rate...”
explained there are two ways to “convert” the heart; one uses drugs and the other, much less common, passes an electrical current through the heart. She also told her that the longer the problem had
existed the lower the chances for successful treatment. That’s because the heart can suffer permanent damage and enlargement with untreated atrial fibrillation. In addition, in some cases the medication itself can prove toxic. Wendy was naturally very concerned about the potential risks but decided to go ahead with the drug treatment proposed. First, Pilot was started on the medication Digoxin. If this
course of treatment was successful, it would bring his heart rate down enough to allow him to undergo the conversion procedure next. “We took him home, gave him the meds and his rate did
come down in a week or so,” Wendy says. “By then it was fall and we wanted to get him into New Bolton and give this a try before winter.” Pilot would be given medicines via a nasal tube over the course of approximately two days. Sometimes it takes more time, sometimes less, she learned. Pilot did not like the process of inserting the nose tube which complicated things a bit. It meant they had to leave the tube in and, as a result, he would have one go at this—no removing the tube and replacing it. “After some adjustment of the medicine and the schedule for giving it over night, we got really lucky,” Wendy recounts.
“Pilot converted at about midnight on the second day!” Pilot’s heart was beating normally—music to Wendy’s ears. Soon after, Pilot was shipped back to Wendy’s Maryland
farm. She was given a treatment regime for him with two medicines to be administered regularly. After 30 days, if his heart rate held steady, he would return to New Bolton Center to be tested again at exercise. It was an anxious, and hopeful, time. “So one month later, in January of this year, we made the
trip back to New Bolton with Pilot,” Wendy continues. “He was lunged at the walk, trot and canter for 20 minutes and his heart rate was perfect! He was relaxed and the attending vets saw a very different horse than the one they’d seen on his previous visit. In fact, one of the veterinarians treating Pilot, Dr. Laura Faulkner, will be presenting his case to students and faculty.”
“I am so glad we took this chance and I am very hopeful
for Pilot’s future. I am so grateful for all the devoted people who have cared for Pilot and I am so excited that he is now allowed to return to regular work,” she says. Pilot’s heart will be monitored in the months to come.
While he has an official okay to return to work and is now in a full dressage program, there is always the risk of reversion; that is, his atrial fibrillation could potentially return. Wendy has become more confident about his recovery but will watch him carefully in case any additional treatment is needed. Fortunately, she says, the risks decrease with every month that goes by.
A Cautionary Tale “I don’t think I had ever heard of atrial fib in anyone’s horse
before this happened. I certainly had never heard that it could be corrected. And I never expected to have a horse with this condition!” Wendy exclaims. “I understand that there are many, many undiagnosed cases, because typically horses are only examined for lameness or cuts or eye problems, not for their heart rate,” Wendy adds. “Words cannot express how grateful I am for Pilot’s
recovery as we decide whether he will be sold to a hand- picked buyer, will stay here on the farm and give lessons or simply be my ‘forever horse’ once again.” “I am sharing this story so that other owners and riders will be more aware of this potential problem and will immediately seek help if they see worrying signs,” Wendy says. “We all need to advocate for our horses. Ask your vet to do a heart check up even when he or she comes out to simply pull a Coggins or to check on a cut.” Wendy shares her final thoughts. “As I learned, the sooner
Pilot and Naomi Parry, his current rider, months after the conversion procedure.
22 May/June 2013
atrial fibrillation is dealt with, the better the chance the problem can be fixed. My hope is that horses with this life threatening condition are treated as early as possible, make a full recovery and have the same happy outcome that Pilot has had.”
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68