Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Heart rhythm changes in English bulldogs with arrhythmogenic
By Bagardi, Mara et al.·Published in Veterinary research communications·2025·Anicura Clinica Veterinaria Malpensa, Italy·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Late-phase depolarization and repolarization abnormalities in english bulldogs with phenotypic expression of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of English Bulldogs with arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) showed specific heart rhythm problems on their electrocardiograms (ECGs). These dogs had wider QRS complexes and longer activation times, which are signs of heart issues. About 19% of the dogs had T wave inversions (a sign of potential heart strain), and 32% showed a specific wave pattern called epsilon waves. These ECG changes were linked to problems with the right side of the heart. The findings suggest that these heart rhythm abnormalities can help identify English Bulldogs with ACM, allowing for better monitoring and treatment options.
People also search for: English Bulldog heart problems · arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy symptoms · dog ECG abnormalities · T wave inversion in dogs · heart disease in English Bulldogs
Abstract
In humans with arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) late-phase depolarization and repolarization abnormalities, such as epsilon (ɛ) waves and T wave inversion (TWI), are commonly observed in right precordial leads (V1-V3). This myocardial disorder has also been described in Boxer and English bulldogs (EBs), but data on electrocardiographic alterations in these breeds are lacking. The objective of this study was to describe electrocardiographic abnormalities in EBs with ACM, comparing QRS complexes and T waves with ≤ 5-year-old EBs without phenotypic expression of the disease. This is a retrospective study including 59 EBs (37 with ACM-ACM group and 22 healthy-healthy group). Standard echocardiographic, and 12-lead electrocardiogram data were retrospectively analyzed. In all leads QRS complex, R-peak time (RPT), and R peak-end time (RPE) were evaluated. Terminal activation duration (TAD), TWI, and presence of ɛ wave, defined as a positive small spike wave in right limb (aVR) and right precordial (V1) leads, were evaluated and compared with echocardiographic measurements. Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy group showed wider QRS complexes in all leads due to longer RPE (P < 0.05). The TAD in lead V1 was longer in ACM group (P < 0.001). The TWI and ɛ wave in ACM group were respectively present in 19% and 32%. Prolonged QRS complex and RPE in duration V1, the ɛ wave in lead aVR and V1, TWI and prolonged TAD in V1 were correlated with echocardiographic parameters defining right ventricular systolic function (P < 0.05). The presence of fragmented QRS complexes in limb and precordial leads, the prolongation of the RPE, the prolongation of TAD in V1, the presence of ɛ wave, can all be considered electrocardiographic features associated with ACM in EBs.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40540101/