Sick sinus syndrome canine11/17/2023 Access to pacemaker implantation may be limited depending on where one lives and their ability to pay for such a state-of-the-art procedure. Just as in people, the pacemaker can be placed without a significant surgery involved. Veterinarians who specialize in cardiology are the masters of pacemaker implantation. When properly placed and monitored, a pacemaker is capable of restoring a normal quality of life for years to come. Pacemaker implantation: This is truly the treatment of choice for most dogs with symptoms caused by SSS. Examples of vagolytic drugs are theophylline, terbutaline, and propantheline bromide. Additionally, side effects are relatively common. While it is reasonable to try such drugs, they don’t have a very consistent track record of success. Vagolytic drugs: These medications are used in an attempt to maintain a normal heart rate. If SSS is caught quite early during an annual physical exam, and the dog is symptom-free, no treatment other than careful monitoring may be required for the time being.įor dogs who are experiencing symptoms, two forms of therapy can be considered: Cardiac ultrasound (echocardiogram) looks for changes in the appearance of the heart valves and sizes of the four chambers that can occur secondary to chronic SSS.įor dogs with SSS, the therapeutic goal is to maintain a normal heart rate so as to restore a good quality of life.Chest x-rays document evidence of heart failure.When atropine is given to a dog with SSS, the very low heart rate remains unchanged. Atropine is a drug that normally causes the heart rate to escalate. An atropine response test can identify dogs with SSS.This may be necessary to determine if a dog has SSS, particularly if the heart rate is normal at the time of the physical examination. The testing equipment is housed within a vest that is worn by the dog at home. Holter monitoring provides a 24-hour electrocardiogram (ECG) tracing.Abnormalities in blood calcium or potassium levels have the potential to mimic SSS changes. Blood testing rules out an underlying metabolic problem.
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