Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Heart rhythm disease progression in Boxer dogs with ARVC
By Meurs, K M et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary internal medicine·2014·The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Natural history of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy in the boxer dog: a prospective study.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 49 Boxer dogs diagnosed with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) were studied to understand the disease's progression and effects. Many of these dogs experienced fainting spells, but overall, the disease did not significantly shorten their lifespan, with an average survival age of 11 years. The study found that while some dogs had a high number of abnormal heartbeats, most maintained normal heart function. Genetic testing showed that a common genetic mutation was present in many affected dogs. The prognosis for Boxers with ARVC is generally good, and regular monitoring can help manage the condition.
People also search for: Boxer dog heart problems · arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy in dogs · Boxer fainting spells treatment
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Boxer arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is a disease that may result in sudden death or heart failure. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To prospectively study the natural history of Boxer ARVC. ANIMALS: 72 dogs (49 ARVC, 23 controls). METHODS: Boxers >1 year of age were recruited for annual reevaluation. CONTROLS were defined as being ≥6 years of age and having <50 ventricular premature complex (VPCs)/24 h. ARVC was defined as ≥300 VPCs/24 h in the absence of other disease. Dogs were genotyped for the striatin deletion when possible. Descriptive statistics were determined for age; VPC number; annual change in VPC number; and left ventricular (LV) echocardiographic dimensions. Survival time was calculated. RESULTS: Controls: median age of 7 years (range, 6-10); number of VPCs 12 (range, 4-32). Median time in study of 6 years (range, 2-9). Seventeen of 23 were genotyped (5 positive, 12 negative). ARVC: median age of diagnosis of 6 (range, 1-11). Median time in study 5 years (range, 3-8). A total of 33% were syncopal and 43/49 were genotyped (36 positive, 7 negative). Yearly change in VPCs was 46 (range, -7,699 to 33,524). Annual percentage change in LV dimensions was 0, and change in fractional shortening (FS%) was 2%. Two dogs had FS% <20%. Although ARVC dogs died suddenly, there was no difference in survival time between groups. ARVC median age of survival was 11 years, and for controls was 10 years. CONCLUSIONS/CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy is a disease of middle age and frequently is associated with the striatin deletion. Syncope occurs in approximately 1/3 of affected dogs; systolic dysfunction is uncommon. The prognosis in many affected dogs is good.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24962663/