Cardioversion of supraventricular tachycardia using lidocaine in five dogs.
Sustained supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) may lead to life-threatening complications such as tachycardia-induced myocardial failure. We report the use of intravenous lidocaine in 5 dogs with SVT. Two dogs had evidence of an accessory conduction pathway, 2 were suspected of having an accessory pathway, and the mechanism of SVT was unknown in the remaining dog, which subsequently developed dilated cardiomyopathy 2 years later. In all cases there was rapid conversion to normal sinus rhythm, which was then maintained with oral mexilitene (4 dogs) or mexilitene combined with propranolol (1 dog).
Johnson
Michael Stafford
MS
Veterinary Cardiorespiratory Centre, Kenilworth Warwickshire, United Kingdom. mike.johnson@martinreferrals.com
Martin
Michael
M
Smith
Paul
P
D000818:Animals; D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D008012:Lidocaine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D013617:Tachycardia, Supraventricular / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary*
D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; D008012:Lidocaine