Successful transthoracic electrical cardioversion in three cats with atrial fibrillation

Abstract This case series describes the management of three cats with atrial fibrillation (AF) secondary to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and left atrial enlargement, complicated by feline aortic thromboembolism or congestive heart failure. Following failure of rate‐control pharmacotherapy, transthoracic electrical cardioversion (TtEC) was performed under tailored anaesthetic protocols. All patients successfully converted to normal sinus rhythm, resulting in improved clinical stability and maintenance of sinus rhythm during follow‐up. This report provides the first documented evidence of TtEC for rhythm control in feline AF, highlighting its potential as a viable intervention when medical management is unsuccessful. While successful, these cases underscore the necessity of rigorous pre‐procedural assessment and vigilant monitoring for complications such as thromboembolism. Ultimately, TtEC represents a novel and effective treatment strategy for managing this complex, high‐risk feline arrhythmia.