A dog in third degree atrioventricular block: patient case report

Abstract

This case report describes the patient journey of a young Cockapoo with symptomatic bradycardia, from admission to a referral hospital, investigations and management with pacemaker implantation, until discharge from the hospital. The case describes the general physical examination findings specific to symptomatic bradycardia, as well as common investigative tests performed in cardiology cases such as indirect blood pressure measurement, biomarkers (in-house cardiac troponin I), six-lead electrocardiography and comprehensive echocardiography. This case also describes the specialist nursing role during pacemaker implantation, including pacemaker programming using telemetry, the use of fluoroscopy with a C-arm, and surgical pull list and theatre set up. The post-surgical follow-up and further optimisation of the pacemaker settings is also described. Third degree atrioventricular block is the most common reason for pacemaker implantation. Awareness of the patient journey during pacemaker implantation is important to provide adequate support and advice to owners of canine patients with symptomatic bradycardia before referral.