Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Long-term outcomes for dogs with unexplained collapse or exercise
By Barnett, L et al.·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2011·School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: A retrospective study of 153 cases of undiagnosed collapse, syncope or exercise intolerance: the outcomes.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 153 dogs, including some Boxers, were brought to the vet for issues like collapsing, fainting, or struggling to exercise, but no clear cause was found. After following up with the owners, it turned out that 42% of the dogs had no more symptoms, while 23% still had issues, though some improved on their own. Unfortunately, 24% of the dogs had died, with some deaths linked to their original symptoms. Overall, most dogs, except for Boxers, did not experience serious long-term problems from these symptoms.
People also search for: dog collapse fainting Boxer · exercise intolerance in dogs · dog syncope treatment · why is my dog collapsing · dog health issues unexplained
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To retrospectively assess the long-term outcome for dogs that were presented with collapse, syncope or exercise intolerance for which an underlying cause is not identified. METHODS: The clinical records of animals presenting to two practices were assessed. Dogs which presented for collapse, syncope or exercise intolerance at least 6 months previously and did not receive a definitive diagnosis despite investigation were included. Follow-up of these cases was carried out by conducting telephone interviews with the owners. RESULTS: One hundred and fifty-three cases were successfully followed up. Clinical signs had resolved in 64 cases (42%), 35 dogs (23%) were continuing to exhibit clinical signs, although 22 of these had improved without medical intervention. In 17 cases (11%), a diagnosis had subsequently been made or treatment was being administered and 37 dogs (24%) had died. Of the deaths, 18 (12%) were considered to be related to the original presentation. The overall prevalence of death and deterioration related to the problems investigated was 16·2% of cases. Death in boxers was significantly more common than in other breeds (36%). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Death and deterioration are uncommon outcomes for dogs other than boxers presenting with collapse, syncope and exercise intolerance for which a definitive diagnosis cannot be made.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21175622/