English springer spaniels with significant bradyarrhythmias--presentation, troponin I and follow-up after pacemaker implantation.
OBJECTIVE
English springer spaniels (ESS) are one of the most frequently presented breeds for pacemaker implantation in the UK and may do so at an early age. In comparison to dogs of other breeds (non-ESS) presenting for pacemaker implantation, cardiac troponin I (cTnI), the outcome and survival of ESS were investigated.


METHODS
Case records of dogs receiving pacemaker implantation were retrospectively reviewed.


RESULTS
Between September 2004 and October 2008, 58 dogs were presented to the Small Animal Teaching Hospital, University of Liverpool for pacemaker implantation. ESS (n=10) was the second most commonly presented breed. ESS were significantly younger than non-ESS (P=0.022). cTnI values were elevated on presentation and a significant reduction was present after pacemaker implantation (P=0.008) in all dogs. No significant difference in initial cTnI was identified comparing ESS and non-ESS (P=0.45) and median survival times were similar (P=0.37).


CONCLUSIONS
ESS may be predisposed to bradyarrhythmias requiring pacemaker implantation. They present at a significantly younger age than non-ESS. Survival times between ESS and non-ESS were similar, despite ESS being paced at a younger age. However, pacemaker implantation is recommended in ESS, as median survival times of 30 months with a good quality of life were achieved.
Fonfara
S
S
Small Animal Teaching Hospital, University of Liverpool, Neston, School of Veterinary Science, Leahurst Neston, UK.
Loureiro
J F
JF
Swift
S
S
James
R A
RA
Pereira
Y Martinez
YM
Lopez-Alvarez
J
J
Summerfield
N
N
Dukes-McEwan
J
J
D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D001919:Bradycardia / Q000097:blood / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000401:mortality* / Q000628:therapy*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D010138:Pacemaker, Artificial / Q000662:veterinary*; D010375:Pedigree; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D019210:Troponin I / Q000097:blood*
D019210:Troponin I