Dual chamber pacemaker implantation in dogs with atrioventricular block.
BACKGROUND
Pacemaker implantation is the treatment of choice for symptomatic bradyarrhythmias. In dogs, a single chamber system is commonly used. In human patients with high-grade 2nd- or 3rd-degree atrioventricular (AV) block, physiologic pacing is recommended, because it improves cardiac output, blood pressure, exercise tolerance, and quality of life. In dogs, this type of pacing is seldom used.


OBJECTIVE
The implantation of a dual chamber pacemaker in dogs with AV block is a feasible procedure for restoring AV synchrony.


METHODS
Thirty-three privately owned dogs with high-grade 2nd- or 3rd-degree AV block were included.


METHODS
Patient data of all dogs with AV block presented for pacemaker implantation between December 1997 and November 2004 were reviewed.


RESULTS
Dual chamber pacemaker implantation with AV synchronous stimulation was successfully performed in 33/33 dogs (100%). In 9/33 (27%) major and in 12/33 (36%) minor complications were observed. Mean survival time for the patients discharged from hospital (n = 32) was 33.6 +/- 20.4 months (range, 3.9-83.5 months).


CONCLUSIONS
Dual chamber pacing is a feasible procedure in dogs with 2nd- or 3rd-degree AV block and is not associated with a higher complication rate compared with single chamber pacemaker systems. A major advantage over ventricular demand pacemaker systems is the restoration of AV synchrony for a substantial period of time.
Hildebrandt
N
N
Department of Clinical Studies, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany. nicolai.b.hildebrandt@vetmed.uni-giessen.de
Stertmann
W A
WA
Wehner
M
M
Schneider
I
I
Neu
H
H
Schneider
M
M
D000818:Animals; D054537:Atrioventricular Block / Q000628:therapy*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D004285:Dogs; D010138:Pacemaker, Artificial / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000662:veterinary*; D012189:Retrospective Studies