Pacemaker Implantation in Horse with Bradycardia-Tachycardia Syndrome

Background and Objective: An 18-years-old, Warm blood gelding presented with a history of exercise intolerance. Clinical evaluation revealed intermittent pauses with atrial fibrillation. The pauses occur repeatedly, particularly after exercise indicating sinus node disease. The objective of this study was to perform a permanent pacemaker implantation in sinus node dysfunction in horse and to evaluate heart function after the procedure. Materials and Methods: The horse underwent permanent single chamber pacemaker implantation. Regular rhythm was restored with threshold level of 2.1 Volts. Heart functions and other clinical evaluations were assessed at 30 and 90 days and 1 year after transplantation. Paired t-test was used to determine the difference between baseline and post-treatment. Results: Blood analysis revealed normal parameters, including cardiac troponin values. No side effects were observed, horse showed improvement in heart function and life quality after pacemaker implantation. Conclusion: Permanent single chamber pacemaker implantation can be considered as a treatment option for horses with bradycardia-tachycardia syndrome.