Canine atrial fibrillation: Pathophysiology, epidemiology and classification

Abstract

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common non-physiological arrhythmia in dogs and humans. Its high prevalence in both species and the impact it has on survival time and quality of life of affected patients, makes it a very relevant topic of medical research. Significant developments in understanding the mechanisms underlying this arrhythmia in humans has occurred over the last decades and some of this knowledge is being applied to veterinary medicine, despite the many differences between species. This article reviews the current understanding of the pathophysiology of AF. The epidemiology and classification of AF in dogs will also be discussed.

Keywords: Arrhythmia; Dogs; Heart failure; Mechanism; Remodeling.