Diagnosis and management of arrhythmias in dogs: A cross‐sectional online survey among Flemish veterinary practitioners

Abstract

Background Diagnosis as well as management of arrhythmias in dogs can be challenging for veterinary practitioners. The aim was to describe ECG availability and use, as well as the diagnostic and therapeutic experiences and preferences of Flemish veterinarians regarding cardiac arrhythmias in dogs. Methods Cross‐sectional online survey among veterinarians in Flanders (Belgium). Results An ECG device was available for 55 out of 102 respondents (54%) and 41 (43%) claimed to use it in case of arrhythmia suspicion. Insufficient knowledge about ECG interpretation and immediate patient referral upon detection of an abnormal heart rhythm were the most important reasons for not having, or not using, an ECG. About half of the respondents (56%) had never used anti‐arrhythmic drugs in dogs, although only a few reported having had a negative experience. Frequently provided reasons for not using anti‐arrhythmic drugs included insufficient knowledge and a low number of dogs with arrhythmias. Conclusion Most veterinarians reported having little or no expertise with arrhythmias in dogs. Electrocardiogram availability and use among respondents was moderate and too often restricted by insufficient ECG interpretation skills. Continued efforts are needed to increase the confidence and knowledge of veterinarians about arrhythmias in dogs.

Evaluating the accuracy of a six‐lead smartphone‐based electrocardiographic device compared with standard electrocardiography in brachymorphic dogs

“…Although not all types of rhythm disturbance have been identified in our study population (e.g., no dog showed sinus bradycardia or third-degree AVB), our results support the clinical utility of the s-ECG studied herein, as tachyarrhythmias and premature ectopic complexes are among the most common ECG abnormalities in dogs. 39,[44][45][46] Additionally, it is intriguing to note that our findings agree with those previously reported for one-lead s-ECGs, [22][23][24] further supporting the reliability of s-ECG devices in the assessment of canine HR and heart rhythm.…”

Prevalence and prognostic role of L wave and selected clinical and echocardiographic variables in dogs with atrial fibrillation

“…Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common cardiac rhythm disturbance and the most common supraventricular tachyarrhythmia in dogs 1‐4 . It is characterized by rapid, uncoordinated atrial electrical activity, which compromises the atrial contribution to ventricular filling, leading to decreased cardiac output, increased atrial filling pressures, and development or worsening of clinical signs of heart failure 5,6 .…”

“…Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common cardiac rhythm disturbance and the most common supraventricular tachyarrhythmia in dogs. 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 It is characterized by rapid, uncoordinated atrial electrical activity, which compromises the atrial contribution to ventricular filling, leading to decreased cardiac output, increased atrial filling pressures, and development or worsening of clinical signs of heart failure. 5 , 6 In dogs, AF usually is associated with atrial dilatation caused by underlying structural heart diseases (so‐called “secondary” AF), 6 , 7 , 8 with the most common being myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) in small‐to‐medium sized breeds of dogs and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in large‐to‐giant breeds.…”