ECG Quiz (AKA any advice appreciated!)

Re: ECG Quiz (AKA any advice appreciated!)

Mike Martin — Thu, 01 May 2014 18:09:33 GMT

Thanks :)

Re: ECG Quiz (AKA any advice appreciated!)

Robin Grimmer — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 18:27:29 GMT

Great link on idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis!

Re: ECG Quiz (AKA any advice appreciated!)

Mike Martin — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 17:42:48 GMT

Yes, these are short sinus arrest pauses. Which fall under the 'catch-all' or umbrella term of sick sinus syndrome (SSS). These short episodes are not long enough to cause collapse/syncope, they need to be 10-20 seconds to cause collapse in most dogs. But it would be reasonable speculation that longer episodes of sinus arrest are causing the collapse. If proof were needed, then a Holter would be the best tool.

SSS (and sinus arrest) is common in WHWTs.

The respiratory signs (cough) might be idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. This would need chest x-rays to screen for.

I have not found a good medication for these cases, but some do try general 'stimulant' drugs such as Corvental. In cases which the owner has the finances and the dog looks to have a reasonable duration of life otherwise then pacemaker is the best option.

Hope this helps.

Re: ECG Quiz (AKA any advice appreciated!)

Joyce Whitehead — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 11:01:58 GMT

I'd also suggest sick sinus syndrome, I think westies are over represented with this if I recall correctly. I've only seen one, many years ago (Westie too!). The owners couldn't afford referral for pacemaker insertion so it was controlled to an extent with meds. I think prazosin (memory not being as good here!) but had a fairly limited life. Good luck.

Re: ECG Quiz (AKA any advice appreciated!)

John Flynn — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 09:31:50 GMT

Thanks.

I'll confess to being a tad confused on the differences between sick sinus syndrome, sinus arrest etc

I know I saw a similar-looking ECG in a similar-looking dog with similar-looking signs about a year ago that appeared to make an impressive clinical response to propentofylline (much to my surprise), so I was tempted to try that again for starters

Re: ECG Quiz (AKA any advice appreciated!)

Emily Rainbow — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 07:48:27 GMT

I'm not expert but maybe Sick Sinus Syndrome?

Re: ECG Quiz (AKA any advice appreciated!)

Busybee — Sat, 26 Apr 2014 21:51:44 GMT

I'm afraid I can't help much with regards to the potential treatments or prognosis, and am mainly replying to 'bump' the post, but I see an irregularly irregular rhythm with inverted T-waves and periods of asystole....now for the experts....