Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cat fainting from heart block treated with pacemaker
By Ferasin, L et al.·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2002·University of Bristol, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Syncope associated with paroxysmal atrioventricular block an ventricular standstill in a cat.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A four-and-a-half-year-old neutered male shorthair cat was brought in after experiencing fainting spells for three weeks. Tests showed that these episodes were caused by a complete heart block, where the heart wasn't beating properly. To help, the vet implanted a pacemaker to regulate the heart's rhythm. Unfortunately, three months later, the cat developed breathing problems and was found to have another heart block and fluid in the chest. Despite treatment, the cat's health continued to decline, and he was euthanized five and a half months after getting the pacemaker.
People also search for: cat fainting spells treatment · cat heart block symptoms · chylothorax in cats treatment
Abstract
A four-and-a-half-year-old neutered male shorthair cat was presented with a three-week history of episodic fainting. Twenty-four hour electrocardiographic (Holter) recording revealed frequent prolonged episodes of complete atrioventricular (AV) block with ventricular standstill. The fainting episodes coincided with the longest periods of ventricular inactivity. A permanent transjugular pacemaker was placed to prevent further life-threatening episodes of syncope. Three months after discharge, the patient was re-presented with sudden onset dyspnoea associated with chylothorax and electrocardiography showed a third degree (complete) AV block. The pacemaker was reprogrammed in view of the third degree AV block and the chylous effusion was successfully treated by repeated thoracocentesis and long-term diuresis. However, the patient's general condition deteriorated progressively and the cat was euthanased five and a half months after implantation of the pacemaker.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11916056/