Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cardiovascular drugs. Their pharmacology and use in horses.
- Journal:
- The Veterinary clinics of North America. Equine practice
- Year:
- 1987
- Authors:
- Muir, W W & McGuirk, S
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
Recent research has improved our understanding of how to use heart medications in horses, including the right dosages and ways to give them, as well as their possible side effects. These drugs can help horses exercise better, feel healthier, and may even help them live longer. The main types of medications used for heart problems in horses include antiarrhythmics (which help with irregular heartbeats), positive inotropes (which help the heart pump more effectively), and diuretics (which help reduce fluid buildup). There are also newer medications being studied that may be helpful, but more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness. Overall, the careful use of these medications can be beneficial for horses with heart disease.
Abstract
Knowledge of the dosage, rate and route of administration, and potential side effects of drugs used to treat cardiac disease in horses has been refined. The judicious use of these drugs can increase exercise capacity, improve health, and potentially prolong life. Currently, antiarrhythmics (quinidine, lidocaine), positive inotropies (digoxin), and diuretics (furosemide) are the primary agents used to treat cardiovascular disease in horses. The development of newer drugs (verapamil, milrinone, bumetanide) and their usefulness in therapy for horses with cardiovascular disease require further investigation.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3555730/