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Complications associated with permanent pacemaker implantation in the dog
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
|January 15, 1983
Summary
Serious complications are common in dogs receiving permanent pacemakers for bradycardia. While 8 of 11 dogs died, many complications can be anticipated and successfully managed.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Cardiology
- Small Animal Surgery
Background:
- Bradycardia in dogs often necessitates permanent pacemaker implantation.
- Pacemaker implantation carries inherent risks and potential for complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the incidence and types of complications in dogs treated with permanent pacemakers for bradycardia.
- To assess the outcomes and survival rates in dogs following pacemaker implantation.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 11 dogs that underwent surgical implantation of permanent pacemakers.
- Analysis of complications arising from underlying conditions, surgical procedures, device malfunction, and infections.
- Evaluation of clinical and electrocardiographic data for complication management.
Main Results:
- Serious complications occurred in all 11 dogs, stemming from various factors including underlying heart disease, arrhythmias, drugs, anesthesia, surgery, and device issues.
- Eight dogs (73%) died between 1 day and 35 months post-surgery, with a mean survival time of 17 months.
- Three dogs survived and were doing well at the time of evaluation.
Conclusions:
- Complications are an expected outcome in dogs treated with cardiac pacemakers.
- Proactive management and monitoring of clinical and electrocardiographic abnormalities are crucial for successful treatment of complications.
- Many pacemaker-related complications in dogs can be anticipated and effectively managed.