Treatment of atrial fibrillation in horses by intravenous administration of quinidine

Abstract

Summary Intravenous administration of quinidine gluconate converted atrial fibrillation (af) to sinus rhythm in 9 of 12 horses. Twelve horses that were diagnosed by ecg to have af were administered up to 11 mg of quinidine gluconate/kg of body weight in 1.0 -to 1.5-mg/kg bolus injections every 10 to 15 minutes. The total dose of quinidine administered iv ranged from 1.8 to 5.8 g. Increased ventricular rate, apprehension, and mild depression were observed during treatment. Other signs of toxicosis were not observed. One horse was successfully treated with iv administered quinidine gluconate on 3 occasions. Intravenous administration of quinidine is a safe and effective alternative for treatment of af in some horses.