Cardiac arrhythmias associated with piroplasmosis in the horse: a case report.
Authors: Diana Alessia, Guglielmini Carlo, Candini Daniela, Pietra Marco, Cipone Mario
Journal: Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)
Summary
Whilst cardiac complications of babesiosis are well-documented in other species, they remain poorly recognised in horses, prompting this Italian case report of a sub-acute piroplasmosis infection presenting with significant myocardial involvement. A horse displaying the typical systemic signs of babesiosis (anorexia, fever, icterus, brown urine) and characteristic laboratory abnormalities (thrombocytopenia, monocytosis, hyperbilirubinemia) additionally presented with junctional and polymorphic ventricular arrhythmias, elevated serum cardiac troponin I, and raised myocardial-bound creatine kinase—markers indicating direct myocardial damage rather than secondary dysfunction. The diagnosis was confirmed serologically, and treatment with specific antibabesial therapy alongside supportive care resulted in complete resolution of both the systemic infection and the cardiac complications. This case demonstrates that myocardial involvement can be a tangible consequence of equine piroplasmosis, not merely an incidental finding, and suggests clinicians should maintain a higher index of suspicion for cardiac arrhythmias in babesiosis cases, particularly in endemic regions. Recognition of this complication may influence monitoring protocols and management decisions in affected horses, particularly those presented with concurrent cardiac irregularities and signs consistent with piroplasmosis.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Cardiac dysfunction should be considered a potential complication in horses presenting with piroplasmosis; monitor for arrhythmias and elevation of cardiac biomarkers
- •Horses with babesiosis showing clinical signs of fever, icterus, depression, and brown urine warrant cardiac evaluation including ECG and troponin I assessment
- •Early recognition and treatment of piroplasmosis can prevent or resolve myocardial involvement and associated arrhythmias
Key Findings
- •A horse with sub-acute piroplasmosis presented with cardiac arrhythmias including junctional and polymorphic ventricular premature complexes with associated tachycardia
- •Myocardial involvement was confirmed by elevated serum cardiac troponin I and increased myocardial-bound creatine kinase concentration
- •Specific and supportive therapy for babesiosis resulted in remission of all clinical signs, laboratory abnormalities, and cardiac complications
- •Myocardial damage and cardiac arrhythmia may represent a complication of equine babesiosis, previously demonstrated in other species