Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Epicardial pacemakers in dogs have low risks and improve quality
By Rossanese, Matteo et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·2024·The Royal Veterinary College, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Epicardial pacemaker placement is associated with low complication rate and improved quality of life in dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 52 dogs, many experiencing collapsing episodes and severe heart issues, underwent surgery to have epicardial pacemakers (devices to help regulate heartbeats) implanted. While some dogs faced complications during and after the procedure, the majority (96%) survived and showed significant improvements in their activity levels and overall quality of life afterward. However, dogs with additional heart problems had a shorter life expectancy post-surgery. Overall, the pacemaker placement was found to be a beneficial option for dogs needing heart support.
People also search for: dog pacemaker surgery · dog collapsing episodes treatment · improving quality of life in dogs with heart problems
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe complications and outcomes in dogs undergoing epicardial pacemaker (EP) implantation, identify factors associated with survival, and investigate improvement in clinical signs and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) following surgery. ANIMALS: 52 client-owned dogs that underwent EP placement. METHODS: Medical records of 4 UK-based referral hospitals were searched and data reviewed retrospectively between July 2010 and December 2022. Factors contributing to outcomes after EP placement were assessed. RESULTS: The primary reasons for referral included collapsing/syncopal episodes (n = 36), exercise intolerance (15), and significant bradycardia (46). Third-degree atrioventricular block (39/52 [75%]) was the predominant indication for pacemaker placement, and common reasons for EP placement included previous transvenous pacemaker dislodgment/loss of capture (n = 12) and small body size (10). Intra- and postoperative complications were documented in 11% and 23% of dogs, respectively. Overall, 96% of dogs survived to discharge, and median follow-up time was 462 days (range, 31 to 3,139 days). Presence of coexistent myocardial or valvular disease at the time of EP implantation was associated with a reduced survival. Owners reported decreased clinical signs, increased activity levels, and improved HRQoL. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Epicardial pacemaker implantation is a valuable option for dogs requiring artificial cardiac pacing. Complications were common but did not impact the overall outcome. Dogs with a coexisting cardiac pathology had a shorter life expectancy after EP placement, but their HRQoL appeared to be good, with an improvement in clinical signs and increased activity levels.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38901451/