Page 129 - Rapid Review of ECG Interpretation in Small Animal Practice, 2nd Edition
P. 129
Answer 53 New Advanced-Level ECG Cases
Answer 53
VetBooks.ir 1 The heart rate is 215 bpm. The QRS complexes are narrow and appear to be of supraventricular
origin, and there is a P wave with a consistent PR interval in front of each QRS complex. The most
likely ECG diagnosis is supraventricular tachycardia.
2 Supraventricular tachycardia can arise secondary to underlying heart disease, especially diseases that
are associated with atrial enlargement such as dilated cardiomyopathy or mitral valve disease. Dogs
can exhibit signs of weakness, lethargy, exercise intolerance, or syncope due to the rapid heart rate.
Treatment might involve vagal maneuver to acutely slow or disrupt the tachycardia and parenteral or
oral drugs, such as diltiazem or beta-blockers, to slow AV nodal conduction.
116
