Prospective Study of Cardiac Arrhythmias - A survey of 20,000 Canines

The prevalence of cardiac arrhythmias was studied in the canine population of 20,000 reported during a period of four years to hospital. The prevalence of arrhythmias was recorded as 3.04%. The arrhythmias were grouped into three categories as sinus arrhythmia, abnormalities of impulse formation and abnormalities of impulse conduction with a prevalence rate as 1.295, 1.415 and 0.33% respectively. Sinus tachycardia associated with severe excitement responded to Diazepam or phenytoin; Bradycardia, AV block and atrial stand still to Glycopyrolate along with appropriate fluid therapy. Cases of atrial fibrillation/flutter were managed with either Quinidine or Digoxin or Verapamil. Atrial premature complex, atrial tachycardia and AV junctional premature complexes were treated with digoxin. Dogs with ventricular premature complex and ventricular tachycardia were attended immediately with Lidocaine, Propranolol and Frusemide with poor response. Nothing substantial could be done in dogs with ventricular asystole.