Pet Health
Condition Overview
Arrythimias are irregular or erratic heartbeats. Normally the heart beats at a steady pace. This changes with activity or rest but is almost always a regular rhythm. Abnormal rhythms may be slower than normal (called bradycardia) or faster than normal (called tachycardia).
Symptoms
Affected dogs may show anxiety, weakness, lethargy or even faint.
All symptoms +
Causes
Many things may cause irregular heart rates and rhythms, including increased potassium, hormonal influences, certain cancers such as hemangiosarcoma, and heart diseases such as cardiomyopathy.
Diagnosis
To diagnose these problems, your dog will need an EKG (electrocardiogram, sometimes called ECG) and possibly a cardiac ultrasound evaluation. Your veterinarian may decide to have your dog wear a special heart monitor for 24 hours if the abnormality is infrequent.
Treatment
Treatment may include various drugs to regulate the heart rate or rhythm. Some dogs benefit from having a pacemaker implanted.
Prevention
There is no prevention for this condition.
Support
Please contact your Veterinarian with questions regarding this condition.
Sources
Dog Owners Home Veterinary Handbook
Publisher: Wiley Publishing, 2007
Website: http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/
Authors: Debra M. Eldredge, Liisa D. Carlson, Delbert G. Carlson, James M. Giffen MD
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