CARDIAC ARRHYTHMIAS FOR VETERINARIANS WHO HATE CARDIAC ARRHYTHMIAS: ACHIEVE ZEN-LIKE CONFIDENCE IN WHEN HOW TO TREAT

摘要

Before an electrocardiogram (ECG) is typically indicated, a thorough history and signalment must be obtained. The typical arrhythmias of the breed should always be considered first, and knowing the common findings of the breed often guides our decisions. Large breed dogs with syncope are usually more likely to have ventricular tachycardia, whereas smaller breeds tend to have bradyarrhythmias more commonly. This is half the battle with almost any form of cardiac disease. The physical examination is very important and is often the source of discovery of asymptomatic cardiac disease. External inspection of the patient should include evaluation of the body condition, respiratory effort and rate, mucous membranes, and presence of a jugular pulse. Palpation of the thorax may reveal a precordial impulse or thrill. Abdominal palpation can reveal hepatomegaly or ascites. Palpation of the arterial pulses in the extremities is particularly important in evaluating the severity of an arrhythmia or to help confirm the suspicion of an arrhythmia based on cardiac auscultation.