pulse deficit

[twrlrgrl]

Just had vegas to the vet for a GI problem but my found Vegas to have an irregular heartbeat. i always knew she had an irregular heartbeat (I could feel it) but it was irreguarly regular which I have heard was ok. The vet gave her an ECG in the office and found a pulse defecit on the third beat. He wants to midly sedate her and run the test again just to be sure (she was kind of excited in the office for a true read out). Anyone else have this problem with their babies and what came out of it? Vegas doesnt show any behavior changes and she is still spunky as ever so I am not worried at this point. anything anyone has for me would be great.

 

[gmacleod]

The thing I'd be most worried about with an irregular heartbeat is the possibility of cardiomyopathy (this is worst case thinking here!). For the particular case of arrythmic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (aka boxer cardiomyopathy) it's not really going to be diagnosable via ECG unless very advanced. A 24 hour holter monitor is a better way of diagnosing that particular disease. There is more info on that, and a link through to the ABC site with quite a lot more at www.boxerworld.com/health_testing

 

[twrlrgrl]

thanks for the info! It has me worried - what is best case scenario? strictly medication? Just cant bear the tought of it right now you know.

 

[gmacleod]

Well, cardiomyopathy would be a worst-case scenario, and I sincerely hope it is not that (and it very well may not be). But if it were the case, then yes, medication for the rest of the dog's life is the outcome of that.

 

[KonaKoffe]

Cassius was diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat at 7 yrs. I would suggest seeking the advice of a cardiologisat before you decide to do anything. Our general vet would have put him on medication but after seeing the cardiologist she was not as concerned with her findings and just told us to keep on eye on him if he ever showed symptoms - which he never did.

Is this a pup? Many times pups show signs of issues that they eventually outgrow.

 

[twrlrgrl]

thank you again for the reassurance (been a little upset here), Vegas will be two this April, and she seriously does not act like she has a heart condition- it does not slow her down. and when she is resting at the house I can feel her irregular heartbeat and it is "missing" the fourth beat but it has a regular pattern. 3 beats, wait, 3beats, wait... Thank GOD for this site I would be a mess!- Cardiologist sounds like a great idea.