Similar to irregular heartbeat, it can be mistakenly diagnosed as such, but the irregular heart rhythm will usually be consistent and continue for a longer period. Your veterinarian may notice your dog has a heart rate between 40 and 100 beats per minute during examination for other reasons. He may decide to watch this anomaly, but since it does not usually cause any danger to your dog’s health, it may be overlooked. If you suspect your dog has an irregular heart rhythm problem, speak to your veterinarian about it and he will do an ECG.

When the ventricle rhythm is faster than the sinus rhythm, but slower than tachycardia for more than three beats, this is considered an irregular heart rhythm. Sometimes called accelerated idiojunctional rate or accelerated idioventricular rate (AIVR). It is similar to arrhythmia, although it comes on slowly and the beats are not as fast. Irregular heart rhythm usually starts as a late premature heartbeat rather than suddenly, as with ventricular tachycardia (VT).

Irregular heart rhythm is often discovered by a routine veterinarian visit because there are rarely any noticeable symptoms. You may notice:

 Types

A thorough examination or your dog will be done with special care taken to get his heart rate and blood pressure. Let your veterinarian know everything you have noticed about your dog’s symptoms, diet, exercise routine, and anything else you think is important. If you feel that your dog has been acting different, you are the only one who can describe it for him.  

The veterinary technician will take blood and urine to get a CBC, blood chemistry panel, electrolytes, thyroid test, and blood glucose level.

 An electrocardiography (ECG) is the most important test that must be done to find the problem, if there is one. This will show fusion beats, missing P-wave, ventricular complexes, and QRS complexes more than 120ms. He will also need radiographs (x-rays) and an ultrasound to rule out physical cardiac abnormalities, tumors, or other anomalies. If the abnormality cannot be detected, the veterinarian may have you use a Holter monitor to get readings of your dog’s heart rhythm over a 24-hour period from home.

The treatment your veterinarian chooses depends on the underlying disorder, such as: 

The most important part of recovery from irregular heart rhythm is regular visits to your veterinarian to get your dog examined and ECG recorded. If the veterinarian decides your dog needs any other treatment, such as medication, it is essential that you give these exactly as prescribed for as long as necessary. With continued ECGs and veterinarian visits, your dog should be able to live a full and happy life.