Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Procainamide stopped atrial fibrillation after heart fluid removal
By Fries, Ryan & Saunders, Ashley B·Published in Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association·2012·Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Use of procainamide for conversion of acute onset AF following pericardiocentesis in a dog.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 9-year-old spayed female golden retriever was brought to the vet because she wasn't eating and seemed to have a swollen belly. After further tests, the vet found fluid around her heart and diagnosed her with pericardial effusion. Following a procedure to remove the fluid, her heart rate shot up to 260 beats per minute, and she developed a serious heart rhythm problem called atrial fibrillation. The vet treated her with an IV medication called procainamide, which successfully restored her normal heart rhythm and improved her condition.
People also search for: dog heart problems treatment · golden retriever atrial fibrillation · procainamide for dogs
Abstract
A 9 yr old spayed female golden retriever was evaluated for anorexia and suspected gastric dilatation. Subsequent evaluation the following day determined the dog to have pericardial effusion. Muffled heart sounds and jugular pulses were noted on physical exam, and the dog was diagnosed with pleural and pericardial effusion. A sinus rhythm with a rate of 142 beats/min was documented on a surface electrocardiogram (EKG). Following pericardiocentesis, the heart rate increased to 260 beats/min, the rhythm became irregular, and the systemic blood pressure decreased. Atrial fibrillation (AF) was confirmed by EKG. Procainamide was administered IV over 15 min, resulting in successful conversion of AF to sinus rhythm and clinical improvement. Procainamide is one of several antiarrhythmic medications that are used for the conversion of acute AF in humans; however, its utility and efficacy in dogs in the setting of AF has not previously been reported. This case highlights a unique complication of performing a pericardiocentesis that requires immediate treatment and describes a potential treatment option for the conversion of acute AF in dogs.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23033466/