Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dog with slow heart rate and adrenal failure regains normal rhythm
By McGrath, C A et al.·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2022·Langford Vets Small Animal Referral Hospital, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Third-degree atrioventricular block with narrow QRS complexes in a case of hypoadrenocorticism in a dog.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 4-year-old dog was brought in because it was very tired and had a slow heart rate of 40 beats per minute. An electrocardiogram revealed a serious heart condition called third-degree atrioventricular block, and tests showed high potassium levels and a hormone imbalance linked to adrenal gland issues (hypoadrenocorticism). After treatment to lower the potassium levels, the dog's heart rhythm returned to normal without needing a pacemaker. This case highlights that heart block can be managed effectively by addressing the underlying adrenal problem.
People also search for: dog lethargy slow heart rate · hypoadrenocorticism treatment in dogs · dog heart block symptoms
Abstract
A 4-year-old dog presented with lethargy and bradycardia (heart rate 40 bpm). Electrocardiogram diagnosed third-degree atrioventricular block with narrow QRS complexes. An atropine response test did not result in a change of the heart rate. Venous blood gas documented moderate hyperkalaemia and an adrenocorticotrophic hormone stimulation test was consistent with hypoadrenocorticism. The patient repeatedly converted to sinus rhythm with normalisation of serum potassium levels following medical treatment. This is the first report of third-degree atrioventricular block in a patient with hypoadrenocorticism that was not vagally mediated and did not require pacemaker implantation, with conversion to sinus rhythm following treatment of the hyperkalaemia.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34888882/