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Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)
CardiovascularAll SpeciesNew
Key Points
  • Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a supraventricular arrhythmia, characterised by chaotic atrial electrical activity and an irregularly irregular ventricular rhythm
  • Horses and large breed dogs are most commonly affected
    • Horses often develop lone AFib whereas dogs and other species usually develop AFib secondary to underlying cardiac disease
  • Atrial enlargement is the most important predisposing factor for the development of AFib
  • AFib reduces cardiac output by removing the atrial kick and through shortened diastolic filling time when the ventricular rate is high
  • Diagnosis is confirmed with ECG
  • Rate control (diltiazem and digoxin) is the priority in dogs with structural disease and rhythm control (with quinidine or electrical cardioversion) is key in horses
Differential Diagnoses
  1. Atrial premature complexes (APCs)
  2. Ventricular premature complexes (VPCs)
  3. Sinus arrhythmia
  4. 2º AV block
Overview
Aetiology
Clinical Signs
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prevention
Resources
Overview

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Aetiology

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Clinical Signs

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Diagnosis

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Treatment

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Prevention

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Resources

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Educational content only. This factsheet is for general veterinary education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Not for use in an emergency — contact a veterinarian or emergency service. Full disclaimer →