Pacemaker implant in a dog with sick sinus syndrome

Background: Sick sinus syndrome is characterized by the presence of arrhythmias, including persistent sinus bradycardia, sinus arrest and paroxysmal atrial tachyarrhythmia. It commonly occurs in elderly dogs, especially miniature schnauzers; however, it is also detected in dachshunds and pugs. Reports of clinical signs by animal owners are not always clear and precise, which may result in erroneous interpretations by veterinarians; consequently, the use of inappropriate therapies. The present work aims to describe clinical aspects and findings from tests related to sick sinus syndrome (SSS) and presents the case of a female schnauzer with SSS. Case: A 10-year-old female dog (schnauzer, 8.6 kg) attended the Veterinary Hospital of the FMVZ-UNESP - Botucatu. The owner mentioned convulsive episodes, but a thorough medical history and patient assessment revealed that the dog exhibited episodes of syncope. During the physical examination, cardiac auscultation revealed the heart rate to be 56 beats per minute (bpm), and there was a presence of pauses. Also during cardiac auscultation, a holosystolic heart murmur was verified, with a focus on the mitral and tricuspid valves. The electrocardiogram showed the presence of sinus arrest with escape rhythms, pauses of 10 s and the presence of bradycardia-tachycardia syndrome. A Holter monitor was used to establish the diagnosis of SSS. The patient presented with significant episodes of syncope during outpatient care, and based on the clinical manifestation, drug therapy was initiated. The prescribed medications were aminophylline 20 mg/ kg TID, enalapril maleate 0.5 mg/kg BID, spironolactone 1 mg/kg SID and furosemide 2 mg/kg BID. After the start of treatment, there was a reduction in the frequency of episodes of syncope. Three weeks after diagnosis, a pacemaker device was implanted. Currently, clinical signs are absent. Discussion: Sinus node dysfunction is one of the main reasons for pacemaker implantation. […](AU)

Pacemaker implant in a dog with sick sinus syndrome

Background: Sick sinus syndrome is characterized by the presence of arrhythmias, including persistent sinus bradycardia, sinus arrest and paroxysmal atrial tachyarrhythmia. It commonly occurs in elderly dogs, especially miniature schnauzers; however, it is also detected in dachshunds and pugs. Reports of clinical signs by animal owners are not always clear and precise, which may result in erroneous interpretations by veterinarians; consequently, the use of inappropriate therapies. The present work aims to describe clinical aspects and findings from tests related to sick sinus syndrome (SSS) and presents the case of a female schnauzer with SSS. Case: A 10-year-old female dog (schnauzer, 8.6 kg) attended the Veterinary Hospital of the FMVZ-UNESP - Botucatu. The owner mentioned convulsive episodes, but a thorough medical history and patient assessment revealed that the dog exhibited episodes of syncope. During the physical examination, cardiac auscultation revealed the heart rate to be 56 beats per minute (bpm), and there was a presence of pauses. Also during cardiac auscultation, a holosystolic heart murmur was verified, with a focus on the mitral and tricuspid valves. The electrocardiogram showed the presence of sinus arrest with escape rhythms, pauses of 10 s and the presence of bradycardia-tachycardia syndrome. A Holter monitor was used to establish the diagnosis of SSS. The patient presented with significant episodes of syncope during outpatient care, and based on the clinical manifestation, drug therapy was initiated. The prescribed medications were aminophylline 20 mg/ kg TID, enalapril maleate 0.5 mg/kg BID, spironolactone 1 mg/kg SID and furosemide 2 mg/kg BID. After the start of treatment, there was a reduction in the frequency of episodes of syncope. Three weeks after diagnosis, a pacemaker device was implanted. Currently, clinical signs are absent. Discussion: Sinus node dysfunction is one of the main reasons for pacemaker implantation. […]

Technique for implanting intramuscular electrodes in the diaphragm by videolaparoscopy in pigs

PURPOSE:To describe a novel approach for implanting intramuscular electrodes in the diaphragm through videolaparoscopy.METHODS:We used twelve pigs for this videolaparoscopic technique, which permits at the same time to explore the diaphragm, to locate its motor points and to fix the electrodes in the diaphragm bilaterally. In this technique we used three trocars: one portal for a 10-mm 0° viewing angle laparoscope, one portal for the manipulation of structures and another for electrode implantation.RESULTS:All animals survived the procedure without pneumothorax/capnothorax or other complication. Implanted electrodes provided an appropriate interface between the muscle and the electrical current generator, and electroventilation was satisfactorily generated in all animals.CONCLUSION:This videolaparoscopic technique with three trocars enables the exploration and identification of motor points and an efficient fixation of one or two electrodes in each hemidiaphragm.(AU)