Atrial fibrillation is the most common type of heart rhythm disorder. It occurs when uncontrolled electrical impulses are generated in the atria. The atria no longer contract rhythmically, the heart rate increases, and a condition known as fibrillation develops.
The electrical impulse that drives heart activity originates in the sinus node, located in the right atrium. This is the heart’s natural pacemaker. Its electrical impulse is transmitted in a coordinated manner from the atria to the ventricles. In atrial fibrillation, this coordinated process is disrupted. Electrical impulses then originate from other parts of the atrium, causing the fibrillation. As a result, the heart can no longer effectively pump blood from the affected atrium into the ventricle and into the pulmonary or systemic circulation.
Atrial fibrillation usually occurs in the context of primary heart diseases characterized by marked atrial enlargement combined with oxygen deficiency. These may include dilated or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (see relevant articles), as well as other inflammatory heart diseases or heart valve defects. However, atrial fibrillation can also develop without a pre-existing condition due to severe oxygen deficiency. Electrolyte imbalances, hyperthyroidism (see relevant article), or the use of certain medications also increase the risk. Furthermore, long-term stress can impair heart health and increase the risk of cardiac arrhythmias.
Irish Wolfhounds and Deerhounds have a breed predisposition. Atrial fibrillation is rare in cats and small dogs. In horses, large breeds are also affected more frequently than small breeds and ponies.
Atrial fibrillation usually does not cause any clinical symptoms. It is often discovered purely by chance. Some animals may exhibit lethargy, reduced performance, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, it can lead to sudden fainting and circulatory collapse.
During the general examination, your veterinarian will listen to your pet’s heart. A rumbling heart murmur, similar to the sound of a sneaker in the washing machine, is a clear sign of atrial fibrillation. The pulse is irregular. To confirm the diagnosis, your veterinarian will record an ECG (electrocardiogram; see related article), which can definitively diagnose atrial fibrillation. In some cases, a long-term or stress ECG is necessary to detect heart rhythm disturbances that occur intermittently or only during exercise. An echocardiographic examination (= heart ultrasound, see related article) should definitely be performed as well. This allows the heart structures and blood flow to be examined and any underlying heart diseases to be diagnosed. Through a blood test, your veterinarian can also determine electrolyte and hormone levels as well as your pet’s general health status.
Low-frequency atrial fibrillation does not require treatment, but regular veterinary checkups are necessary. In cases of high-frequency atrial fibrillation, medications are used to lower the heart rate. If the condition is caused by an underlying heart disease, that condition must be treated.
In acute cases, a procedure known as cardioversion—a medical procedure to restore a normal, regular heart rhythm—is performed. This can be done with medication or electrically, usually using a defibrillator that delivers targeted electrical shocks. Transvenous electrical cardioversion (TVEC) is performed by only a few highly specialized veterinary clinics. During this procedure, special electrodes are advanced directly into the heart via the blood vessels under general anesthesia. These electrodes then deliver a targeted electrical shock to restore the normal heart rhythm.
Another method, also offered only by specialized veterinary clinics, is so-called interventional catheter ablation. In this procedure, the triggering extra pacemakers in the atrial muscle are identified and ablated using a catheter via electrosurgery
With successful treatment and regular monitoring, the prognosis is good. If signs of heart failure are already present, the prognosis worsens significantly. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for minimizing the risk of serious complications.
A balanced diet, plenty of exercise, stress reduction, and regular veterinary checkups help minimize the risk of heart arrhythmias. Omega-3 fatty acids can also be beneficial. It’s essential to avoid obesity so as not to put additional strain on the heart. You can save all your pet’s weight data in the petsXL Health Passport. This gives you a clear overview of your pet’s weight history at any time.
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is one of the most common heart diseases in dogs. It involves dilation (enlargement) of the left ventricle or both ventricles, along with a reduction in the heart muscle’s ability to contract.
Zoonoses are infectious diseases that can be transmitted naturally from animals to humans. They pose a health risk, especially for children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. However, zoonoses can be transmitted not only from animals to humans, but also vice versa, from humans to animals.
Pet insurance policies vary significantly in terms of coverage, cost, and target audience. Depending on the type of animal, its health, and your budget, simple surgical insurance or comprehensive full coverage may be appropriate. In this second part of our three-part article series "Pet Insurance," you will get an overview of the most important types of insurance and their differences in coverage.
Imagine your dog limping after a walk and your vet uttering the word that makes every pet owner cringe: surgery. Or your cat stops eating and needs an X-ray or blood test, maybe even a stay in the hospital. In moments like these, you want only one thing: to help—immediately and in the best way possible. What you don't want to do is calculate on your calculator whether you can afford it. This is exactly where pet health insurance makes all the difference. It takes away your fear of the bill so you can focus on what matters: your pet. In this first part of our three-part article series "Pet Insurance," we'll show you why insurance is worthwhile for your pet.
In this third part of our three-part article series "Pet Health Insurance," we show you what to look for when choosing pet health insurance—from the scope of coverage and reimbursement rates to additional benefits and service quality. This will help you find a plan that suits you and your pet.
A visit to the vet is stressful for many animals—not only for the patient, but also for the pet owner. Medical training allows you to prepare your pet specifically for treatments and examinations. It helps to reduce anxiety, build trust, and make vet appointments much more pleasant.
An ectopic ureter is a congenital malformation in which the ureter does not empty into the bladder as it should, but instead empties into another location, such as the bladder neck, the urethra, the vagina, or the uterus. Affected dogs cannot voluntarily control urination and experience continuous dribbling.
