A cardiac arrhythmia is any rhythm other than normal sinus rhythm: an abnormal rate, an abnormal site of impulse formation, or a block in conduction. In dogs, arrhythmias range from harmless (respiratory sinus arrhythmia, first-degree AV block) to fatal (rapid ventricular tachycardia in a Boxer or Doberman). On the NAVLE you need to read a lead II strip, link the rhythm to the breed and the underlying disease, and choose the right drug, or know when no drug should be given.
Key facts
Cardiac arrhythmias at a glance- Species and system: dogs; cardiovascular system (conduction system and myocardium).
- Causes: structural heart disease (DCM, ARVC, valvular disease, subaortic stenosis), systemic disease (GDV, splenic masses, trauma, sepsis), electrolyte disorders (especially potassium), drugs and anesthesia, and inherited conduction disease.
- Classic presentations: giant-breed dog with an irregularly irregular rhythm and pulse deficits (atrial fibrillation); Boxer or Doberman with syncope (ventricular tachycardia); older Miniature Schnauzer with collapse during long pauses (sick sinus syndrome).
- Key tools: ECG for diagnosis, 24-hour Holter to count and grade intermittent arrhythmias, echocardiography for underlying structural disease.
- Zoonotic or reportable: neither.
What's inside
12 sections in the full guide- Key facts
- How the NAVLE tests this
- Cause and pathophysiology
- Clinical signs
- Diagnosis
- Differential diagnoses
- Treatment and management
- Prevention and control
- Prognosis
- Quick review
- Test yourself
- References
The full guide also has 6 tables, 3 figures, 3 self-test questions and 18 references, available to NAVLE members.
Read the full study guide
The full guide is part of every NAVLE plan, with diagnosis and treatment tables, figures, a quick review and self-test questions. Start a free trial to try the question bank, or log in if you are already a member.