Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Signs and survival in dogs with severe heart block in 1997
By Schrope, Donald P & Kelch, William J·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·2006·Oradell Animal Hospital, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Signalment, clinical signs, and prognostic indicators associated with high-grade second- or third-degree atrioventricular block in dogs: 124 cases (January 1, 1997-December 31, 1997).
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of dogs, including breeds like Afghan Hounds and Labradors, were diagnosed with high-grade second- or third-degree atrioventricular block (AVB), a serious heart condition that can cause weakness, lethargy, and fainting. Many of these dogs were older, heavier, and intact females. Unfortunately, dogs with this condition are at a high risk for sudden death within the first six months after diagnosis. However, those who received a pacemaker showed a significant improvement in survival rates. It's important for pet owners to consider this treatment if their dog is diagnosed with high-grade AVB.
People also search for: dog heart block symptoms · pacemaker for dogs · high-grade AVB treatment · dog fainting episodes · signs of heart problems in dogs
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate signalment, clinical signs, and prognosis associated with high-grade second- or third-degree atrioventricular block (AVB) in dogs. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 124 dogs. PROCEDURES: Data were gathered from ECGs, veterinarian questionnaires, echocardiograms, and radiographs submitted for review; compared with data from a large control group; and examined for association between variables and duration of survival. A new classification system for AVB was evaluated. RESULTS: Afghan, Catahoula Leopard Dog, Chow Chow, Cocker Spaniel, German Wirehaired Pointer, and Labrador Retriever breeds were predisposed to high-grade second- or third-degree AVB. Heavier, older, and sexually intact female dogs were overrepresented in the study group. Weakness, lethargy, exercise intolerance, and syncope were the most common clinical signs. The presence of clinical signs was not associated with duration of survival. Dogs with high-grade second-degree AVB had a duration of survival similar to that of dogs with third-degree AVB. Dogs with high-grade second- or third-degree AVB were at high risk for sudden death in the first 6 months after diagnosis. High ventricular escape rhythm rate and narrow escape-complex QRS width were negatively associated with duration of survival. Pacemaker implantation had a significant positive association with survival. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Pacemaker implantation should be strongly considered in all dogs with high-grade second- or third-degree AVB regardless of whether clinical signs are evident. If medical treatment is warranted, vagolytic medications may be the best choice. A new classification system for AVB may merit further investigation.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16740072/