Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Treatment of vena cava blockage from pacemaker in two dogs
By Cunningham, Suzanne M et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·2009·Department of Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Successful treatment of pacemaker-induced stricture and thrombosis of the cranial vena cava in two dogs by use of anticoagulants and balloon venoplasty.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Two male Labrador Retrievers, both with pacemakers, faced serious health issues years after their devices were implanted. One dog had swelling in his face and fluid buildup in his chest, while the other had ongoing heart block symptoms. After diagnosing a blockage and narrowing in the cranial vena cava caused by the pacemaker, the first dog was treated with blood thinners and a special medication to dissolve clots, followed by a procedure to widen the narrowed vein. The second dog also underwent a procedure to fix the blockage before getting a new pacemaker. Both dogs showed significant improvement and had no symptoms for over six months after treatment.
People also search for: dog pacemaker complications · Labrador Retriever heart block treatment · dog pleural effusion causes
Abstract
CASE DESCRIPTION: 2 castrated male Labrador Retrievers (dogs 1 and 2) were evaluated 3 to 4 years after placement of a permanent pacemaker. Dog 1 was evaluated because of a large volume of chylous pleural effusion. Dog 2 was admitted for elective replacement of a pacemaker. CLINICAL FINDINGS: Dog 1 had mild facial swelling and a rapidly recurring pleural effusion. Previously detected third-degree atrioventricular block had resolved. Cranial vena cava (CVC) syndrome secondary to pacemaker-induced thrombosis and stricture of the CVC was diagnosed on the basis of results of ultrasonography, computed tomography, and venous angiography. Dog 2 had persistent third-degree atrioventricular block. Intraluminal caval stricture and thrombosis were diagnosed at the time of pacemaker replacement. Radiographic evidence of pleural effusion consistent with CVC syndrome also was detected at that time. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: Dog 1 improved after treatment with unfractionated heparin and a local infusion of recombinant tissue-plasminogen activator. Balloon venoplasty was performed subsequently to relieve the persistent caval stricture. In dog 2, balloon dilatation of the caval stricture was necessary to allow for placement of a new pacing lead. Long-term anticoagulant treatment was initiated in both dogs. Long-term (> 6 months) resolution of clinical signs was achieved in both dogs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Thrombosis and stricture of the CVC are possible complications of a permanent pacemaker in dogs. Findings suggested that balloon venoplasty and anticoagulation administration with or without thrombolytic treatment can be effective in the treatment of dogs with pacemaker-induced CVC syndrome.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20001783/