Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Novel cutaneous use of implantable loop recorders in two dogs with unexplained episodes of collapse.
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association
- Year:
- 2012
- Authors:
- Sanders, Robert & Olivier, N Bari
- Affiliation:
- College of Veterinary Medicine · United States
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
In this study, two dogs experienced unexplained episodes of collapsing and being very tired during exercise. Traditional heart monitoring methods sometimes didn't provide clear answers, and implantable heart monitors can be expensive and come with risks that some pet owners might not want to take. The researchers used a new method where these monitors were placed just under the skin, which turned out to be effective in gathering important information about the dogs' heart activity. This approach shows promise for helping veterinarians understand and diagnose similar cases in other pets. Overall, the use of these skin-placed monitors worked well for evaluating the dogs' conditions.
Abstract
Determining the cause of episodes of collapse can be difficult. Even in patients with frequent collapsing episodes due to cardiac causes, diagnostic surface electrocardiogram and 24 hr ambulatory electrocardiographic (Holter) monitoring are sometimes inconclusive. Event monitors with multiple leads can be challenging to use in veterinary medicine over long periods of time due to lead dislodgment. Implantable leadless loop recorders (ILRs) are useful, but owners are sometimes unwilling to have an ILR implanted due to the associated risks and/or costs. In this case report, the authors describe the use of cutaneously placed ILRs in two dogs with unexplained episodes of collapse/exercise intolerance. Data recorded provided clinically useful information. Cutaneously placed ILRs can be used effectively in veterinary medicine to evaluate patients with unexplained episodes of collapse.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22611211/