ECG of the Month

摘要

An 8-year-old 36.1-kg (79.4-1b) spayed female Rottweiler was evaluated at the North Carolina State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital because of increasing frequency of episodes of collapse. On the basis of the owner's description, the collapse episodes were most consistent with syncope. Initially, the collapse occurred only with moderate exercise; over a period of 4 days, episodes occurred even during normal walking activity. The frequency of the collapse during the 4-day period increased from1 episode/d to 3 to 5 episodes/d. The duration of each episode was < 30 seconds; after a variable period of walking or running, the dog would appear disoriented, fall to the ground, lie still for < 5 to 10 seconds, and then stand up panting. No urinationor defecation was evident during these episodes. On the day prior to the initial evaluation at the hospital, the dog was taken to a local emergency clinic; results of a CBC and serum biochemical analyses were unremarkable. An ECG obtained at the emergency clinic revealed intermittent arrhythmia. The dog was referred to the cardiology department of the hospital for further evaluation.