Abstract
Objectives
Survival of dogs in the United Kingdom (UK) with persistent atrial standstill (PAS) after pacemaker implantation and the prognostic value of cardiac remodelling are unknown. Survival >800 days has been reported in non-UK dogs. We hypothesised that survival after pacing is predicted in PAS dogs by severity of cardiac remodelling.
Methods
This was a retrospective study, reviewing clinical records from three UK referral centres. Only dogs with PAS fitted with a pacemaker were included. Data at first presentation are mean±SD or median [range]. Pre and post-pacing clinical and echocardiographic variables (repeated measures ANOVA) and survival times were compared. Stepwise regression tested variables as predictors of death by one to three years post-pacing. Significance (P) was <0.05.
Results
Twenty-six dogs were included (20.0±9.3kg; 3.3 years [0.6-12.6]). Labrador retrievers and their crosses were most represented (9/26).
Clinical presentation included pre-syncope/syncope (14/26), lethargy/exercise intolerance (6/26), ascites (5/26) and coughing (3/26).
Heart rate was 52±13bpm. Left atrial enlargement was consistent (LA/Ao 2.3 [1.5-3.7]) but left ventricular dilation (LVIDdN 1.9 [0.9-2.8]) and systolic function (ESVI 25.8 ml/m2 [9-93.5]; PEP/LVET 0.26 [0.12-0.61]) were highly variable. Echocardiographic variables were not modified by pacing (all P>0.1).
Survival (1512 days, IQR 2404) was not influenced by syncope (P=0.9) or heart failure (P=0.6). Clinical and echocardiographic variables did not predict survival (all P>0.3).
Statement (conclusions)
Dogs with atrial standstill can survive >3 years post-pacing despite significant myocardial dysfunction and cardiomegaly. When advising clients, syncope and heart failure before pacing do not have prognostic value.
Survival of dogs in the United Kingdom (UK) with persistent atrial standstill (PAS) after pacemaker implantation and the prognostic value of cardiac remodelling are unknown. Survival >800 days has been reported in non-UK dogs. We hypothesised that survival after pacing is predicted in PAS dogs by severity of cardiac remodelling.
Methods
This was a retrospective study, reviewing clinical records from three UK referral centres. Only dogs with PAS fitted with a pacemaker were included. Data at first presentation are mean±SD or median [range]. Pre and post-pacing clinical and echocardiographic variables (repeated measures ANOVA) and survival times were compared. Stepwise regression tested variables as predictors of death by one to three years post-pacing. Significance (P) was <0.05.
Results
Twenty-six dogs were included (20.0±9.3kg; 3.3 years [0.6-12.6]). Labrador retrievers and their crosses were most represented (9/26).
Clinical presentation included pre-syncope/syncope (14/26), lethargy/exercise intolerance (6/26), ascites (5/26) and coughing (3/26).
Heart rate was 52±13bpm. Left atrial enlargement was consistent (LA/Ao 2.3 [1.5-3.7]) but left ventricular dilation (LVIDdN 1.9 [0.9-2.8]) and systolic function (ESVI 25.8 ml/m2 [9-93.5]; PEP/LVET 0.26 [0.12-0.61]) were highly variable. Echocardiographic variables were not modified by pacing (all P>0.1).
Survival (1512 days, IQR 2404) was not influenced by syncope (P=0.9) or heart failure (P=0.6). Clinical and echocardiographic variables did not predict survival (all P>0.3).
Statement (conclusions)
Dogs with atrial standstill can survive >3 years post-pacing despite significant myocardial dysfunction and cardiomegaly. When advising clients, syncope and heart failure before pacing do not have prognostic value.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Publication status | Published - 24 May 2021 |
Event | BSAVA Congress 2021 - Online only, United Kingdom Duration: 24 May 2021 → 25 May 2021 |
Conference
Conference | BSAVA Congress 2021 |
---|---|
Country/Territory | United Kingdom |
Period | 24/05/21 → 25/05/21 |