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Updated: May 10, 2026
10:08
Tachycardia-Induced Cardiomyopathy As a Chronic Heart Failure Model in Swine
Published on: February 17, 2018
Episodic syncope caused by ventricular flutter in a tiger (Panthera tigris)
Daniel M DeLillo1, Sophy A Jesty, Marcy J Souza
1Department of Small Animal Clinical Services, University of Tennessee Veterinary Medical Center, 2407 River Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, USA.
Summary
A tiger experienced collapsing episodes due to ventricular flutter, a type of cardiac arrhythmia. Prompt treatment with lidocaine and sotalol successfully resolved the condition, restoring the tiger
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Cardiology
- Exotic Animal Medicine
Background:
- Epilepsy is a common differential diagnosis for collapsing episodes in animals.
- Ventricular arrhythmias can manifest as syncope or collapse.
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing cardiac emergencies in exotic species.
Observation:
- A 9-year-old castrated male tiger presented with recurrent collapsing episodes.
- Initial treatment for suspected epilepsy with phenobarbital was ineffective.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) revealed ventricular flutter, indicating a cardiac origin.
Findings:
- Ventricular flutter was successfully treated with a single intravenous bolus of lidocaine.
- Echocardiography and cardiac troponin I levels were normal, ruling out structural heart disease or myocardial damage.
- Comprehensive diagnostics, including bloodwork and antigen testing, were unremarkable.
- Long-term antiarrhythmic therapy with sotalol was initiated, leading to complete clinical resolution.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering cardiac arrhythmias in the differential diagnosis of collapsing episodes in exotic cats.
- Lidocaine can be an effective emergency treatment for ventricular flutter in tigers.
- Sotalol provided successful long-term management of the cardiac arrhythmia, allowing for a full recovery.
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