Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Heart rhythm problem called isorhythmic AV dissociation in Labrador
By Perego, M et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary internal medicine·2012·Clinica Veterinaria Malpensa, Italy·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Isorhythmic atrioventricular dissociation in Labrador Retrievers.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 11 Labrador Retrievers was found to have a heart rhythm issue called isorhythmic atrioventricular dissociation (IAVD), where the heart's upper and lower chambers beat independently. Most of these dogs showed a specific pattern on their electrocardiograms (ECGs) that indicated this condition, and some experienced episodes of a faster heart rate known as junctional tachycardia. The study suggests that IAVD is more common in Labradors and may be linked to this faster heart rhythm. Treatment options weren't detailed, but understanding these heart rhythm disturbances can help veterinarians manage affected dogs better.
People also search for: Labrador heart rhythm problems · dog ECG results · junctional tachycardia in dogs
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Isorhythmic atrioventricular dissociation (IAVD) is a rhythm disturbance in which atria and ventricles are driven by independent pacemakers at equal or nearly equal rates. OBJECTIVES: To describe electrocardiographic and electrophysiologic features of IAVD in a group of 11 Labrador Retrievers and its possible correlation with focal junctional tachycardia (FJT). ANIMALS: Between December 2004 and October 2010, medical records of 11 Labrador Retrievers with surface electrocardiographic findings compatible with IAVD were retrospectively analyzed. METHODS: Twelve-lead surface electrocardiograms, thoracic radiographs, and echocardiographic findings of each dog and electrophysiologic mapping results of 3 dogs were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: In 10 of 11 dogs, the ECG pattern revealed the presence of IAVD with type I synchronization. In 5 of 10 dogs, IAVD with type I synchronization was interrupted by periods of junctional tachycardia with 1 : 1 ventriculo-atrial conduction. One of 11 dogs presented IAVD with type II synchronization. The ECG diagnosis of IAVD with type I and type II synchronization, and junctional rhythm with 1 : 1 ventriculo-atrial conduction was confirmed in 3 of 11 dogs with endocardial mapping in which the diagnosis of focal junctional tachycardia was made. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: IAVD with type I synchronization is more common than IAVD with type II synchronization in Labrador Retrievers, and a correlation between IAVD and FJT can be hypothesized.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22269080/