Implantable loop recorders: a viable diagnostic tool in veterinary medicine

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Cardiology
• Canine Internal Medicine

Background:

• Unexplained collapse and episodic weakness are common presenting complaints in dogs.
• Diagnostic challenges exist in identifying the underlying causes of syncope in canine patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of implantable loop recorders (ILRs) for diagnosing unexplained collapse in dogs.
• To assess the diagnostic yield of ILRs in a cohort of dogs with intermittent syncopal episodes.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of medical records for six dogs with unexplained collapse or episodic weakness.
• Standard diagnostic investigations followed by the implantation of ILRs in all participating dogs.

Main Results:

• A diagnosis of supraventricular tachycardia was achieved in one dog.
• Diagnoses of exclusion, including arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy and idiopathic epilepsy, were made in two dogs.
• One dog experienced no further syncopal episodes, one case remained undiagnosed, and one dog was lost to follow-up.

Conclusions:

• Implantable loop recorders are a valuable tool for diagnosing unexplained collapse in dogs.
• ILRs can successfully identify cardiac arrhythmias and other causes of syncope in canine patients.