Pacemaker implantation in small animal practice: Indications, types of pacing and implantation technique

The implantation of pacemakers is widely accepted as a standard procedure for addressing symptomatic bradycardia in both dogs and cats. The most common rhythm irregularities necessitating pacing for the relief of clinical symptoms or the enhancement of survival rates comprise advanced second- and third-degree atrioventricular blocks, sick sinus syndrome, persistent atrial standstill, and vasovagal syncope. A number of dog breeds, including West Highland White Terriers, Miniature Schnauzers, and Cocker Spaniels, are prone to sinus node disease, whereas Labrador retrievers and German shepherds are prone to atrioventricular block. Since its initial use in 1967 on dogs having third-degree heart blocks, implantation has remained a consistent practice in the field of veterinary medicine. Pacing leads and a pacemaker generator are two components of a modem pacemaker system. The current pacemaker installation technique for dogs uses endocardial leads and is placed intravenously, but for cats, thoracotomies or laparotomy are used to place epicardial leads. Depending on the conduction abnormalities, there are many different ways of pacing, which include atrial pacing, right ventricular apex pacing, interventricular septum pacing, right ventricular outflow tract pacing, etc. Beyond its accomplishments in human medicine, it has attained notable success in veterinary practice, benefiting various animals such as dogs, cats, ferrets, donkeys, and others.

⓿ Pacemaker implantation is accepted as a standard procedure for addressing symptomatic bradycardia in both dogs and cats.

⓿ Advanced second- and third-degree atrioventricular blocks, sick sinus syndrome, persistent atrial standstill, and vasovagal syncope are the primary rhythm irregularities requiring pacing.