Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Complications and survival after epicardial pacemakers in 28 dogs
By Visser, Lance C et al.·Published in Veterinary surgery : VS·2013·Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Outcomes and complications associated with epicardial pacemakers in 28 dogs and 5 cats.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 28 dogs and 5 cats underwent surgery to have epicardial pacemakers (a device to help regulate heartbeats) implanted. The study found that larger dogs, those weighing over 10 kg, faced a higher risk of serious complications from the procedure. Despite this, the overall survival rates for pets with epicardial pacemakers were similar to those with other types of heart pacing devices. This means that epicardial pacemakers can still be a good option for pets needing heart support, but owners of larger dogs should be aware of the potential for more complications.
People also search for: dog heart problems pacemaker · cat heart surgery recovery · epicardial pacemaker complications in dogs
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To report signalment, history, indications, complications and outcome for 28 dogs and 5 cats in which 34 permanent epicardial pacing leads were surgically placed by transdiaphragmatic approach (32) or intercostal thoracotomy (2). METHODS: Medical records (2005-2010) were reviewed. Signalment, age, species, gender, clinical signs, presence of structural heart disease and/or congestive heart failure, ECG diagnosis, body weight (<10 or >10 kg), and overall survival rate were recorded. Statistical correlations were made between these variables and major and minor complications rates. RESULTS: Except for body weight, no statistical differences were identified in prevalence of major (life threatening or requiring replacement of the pacemaker system) or minor (self-limiting) complications; dogs weighing >10 kg had significantly more major complications (P = .03). There was a trend (P = .051) for lower survival in animals that had major complications. CONCLUSIONS: Larger dogs (>10 kg) may be predisposed to more major complications with epicardial pacemaker (EP) implantation. Major complication rate and survival time are similar to those reported for transvenous pacing and therefore implantation of EPs remains a suitable alternative.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23662684/