Dog with pacemaker had lead insulation break causing fainting spells

Abstract

A 10-year-old female spayed mixed breed dog that had a transvenous pacemaker implanted four years prior was presented for the evaluation of episodes of transient loss of consciousness without any history of trauma that were unresponsive to anticonvulsant therapies. Intermittent failure to capture coupled with low impedance and high capture threshold were noted upon interrogation of the pacemaker. Radiography and fluoroscopy demonstrated a possible break in the insulation of the lead. After the placement of another transvenous pacemaker, the dog had no additional syncopal episodes, and anticonvulsants were tapered off. The dog developed an implant infection from the newly placed pacemaker, which prompted the removal of the infected pacemaker and the implantation of an epicardial pacemaker. However, the epicardial lead dislodged seven days after placement, and the dog was euthanized. During necropsy, the first transvenous lead was removed, and the insulation break was visually confirmed. Although an insulation break is a rare delayed complication of pacemaker implantation, this report shows how the diagnosis, suspected by typical interrogation findings, can be aided by radiographic and fluoroscopic investigations.