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Irregular heartbeat is not uncommon in dogs and may not be a serious health problem, but should be checked out by your veterinarian. Dogs hearts are similar to humans in that their heartbeat increases with exertion and decreases during rest. What you feel as a rapid heart rate in your dog may actually be a normal heart rate because their heart beats much faster than your own. It may be hard to detect in your dog and is most often found during a routine examination. If you suspect your dog has an irregular heartbeat, you should take him to your veterinarian right away, as this can be a sign of a serious disorder.
Irregular heartbeat, or arrhythmia, is an abnormal electrical activity pattern in the muscle of the heart. Any type of disturbance or variance of a normal heart rate or rhythm in dogs is considered canine arrhythmia.
Irregular Heartbeat Average Cost
From 367 quotes ranging from $500 - $6,500
Average Cost
$2,200
Types
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Although any age, sex, and breed of dog can have an irregular heartbeat, some breeds are more susceptible to certain types of arrhythmia. In a number of cases, irregular heartbeat is caused by a hidden disorder like abnormal electrolytes, systemic disease, heart disease, injuries, or infection.
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Your veterinarian will do a complete physical examination, listen to your dog’s heart, and check other vitals. It is important to give the veterinarian as much information as you have about what brought you to the clinic, when the symptoms started, and how often you have witnessed these symptoms. He will also need to know if the problem has been getting worse.
Several lab tests will need to be done to determine the amounts of potassium, urea, sodium, magnesium, phosphorus, chloride, creatinine, and calcium. The veterinarian technician will take a blood and urine sample to check:
The veterinarian will also do some other tests that are necessary to diagnose your dog’s irregular heartbeat, such as:
Your dog’s veterinarian may not be able to get conclusive results if the heartbeat irregularity is not present at the time of your visit. If this happens, he will send your dog home with a Holter monitor to obtain a record of your dog’s heartbeat for 24 hours. A Holter monitor is a portable ECG machine that is attached to electrodes and wrapped with a bandage to continuously read your dog’s heartbeat. The veterinarian or a cardiology technician will review the results the next day to check the results and decide on the best treatment plan.
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Your veterinarian may decide to hospitalize your dog in the case of acute respiratory distress. Oxygen and IV fluids will be given to help stabilize his breathing. Additionally, medications will be given in the case of any of these chronic conditions:
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Your dog’s prognosis depends on the reason for the irregular heartbeat. If your dog’s irregular heartbeat is not considered a threat to his health, the veterinarian will just have you bring him back for regular check-ups.
In the case of any of the above ailments, the prognosis is good as long as it is caught and treated early enough. Medication and frequent check-ups with your veterinarian will be be continued indefinitely.
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Irregular Heartbeat Average Cost
From 367 quotes ranging from $500 - $6,500
Average Cost
$2,200
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Ask a Vet
Clover
Cavapoo
12 Months
Fair severity
2 found helpful
Fair severity
Has Symptoms
My 1 year old cavoodle Clover has just been diagnosed with a minor sinus arrhythmia. There is no change in her eating or toilet routines. The only change is she gets puffed out easy during playtime and lays down with her tongue out panting heavy (or panting not so heavy, depending on the play). She, however, even if puffed out, still wants to run around and keep playing. Vet offered for me to go to the cardiologist for peace of mind but said there wasn't anything i needed to really worry about. My question, should I be vigilant in monitoring her play and ensuring she doesnt get puffed out? This came on quite suddenly about 5 days after her 1st Birthday
Aug. 20, 2018
Clover's Owner
2 Recommendations
You should be mindful of her exercise intolerance and ensure that she doesn’t get too excited or over stress herself during playtime; a visit to a Cardiologist would be advisable just for an examination to be on the safe side to ensure all bases are covered. It can be difficult to keep a dog from tiring themselves in these situations. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Aug. 20, 2018
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Buster
Boxer
3 Years
Moderate severity
0 found helpful
Moderate severity
Has Symptoms
What advice would be given after diagnosis of irregular heart beat? ECG was advised but taking 4 to 5 days.... should there have been any other advice or medication/tests done on the day of diagnosis before being allowed to take him home?
May 17, 2018
Buster's Owner
0 Recommendations
Irregular heartbeat is a vague diagnosis, there are different types of arrhythmias; however an ECG would be a useful diagnostic tool to determine the specific type of arrhythmia before any treatment or management is attempted. Echocardiography is also a useful tool to check heart structure and function which may aid in a diagnosis. For the time being, until an ECG can be carried out you should keep a close eye on Buster and ensure that he is kept calm. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
May 18, 2018
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Mo
Boxer
8 Years
Fair severity
0 found helpful
Fair severity
Has Symptoms
My boxer, Mo, is 8 years old and has never had any health issues. She is very playful and loves to go on walks and run in our back yard. She went to the vet in January and was given a clean bill of health. We took her back in May and the Vet heard an irregularity in her heart beat. They did an EKG on the spot and confirmed that her heart beat is irregular. Vet said the next step is x-ray to look for masses and then an ultrasound. I guess I am just wondering how beatable this is? Will she be okay or is this going to really affect her health negatively?
May 3, 2018
Mo's Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
I'm sorry that this is happening to Mo. There are many different types of cardiac irregularities, and some are quite benign, while others do need treatment. This may have been an irregularity that was subtle and has been there all along, or it may be a new occurrence. Until you are able to find out more information about her heart rhythm and any abnormalities that are happening, your veterinarian won't know which type the arrhythmia is, or how to treat it. You'll sort of need to wait and see until you have more information, but if she is bright and happy otherwise, we can hope for the best!
May 4, 2018
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Shelby
Westie
14 Years
Mild severity
0 found helpful
Mild severity
Has Symptoms
I have a Westie , she had a fainting spell several months ago. The Vet said a heart murmur and irregular heartbeat. no treatment necessary at this point. We took her in for a Wellness check. Now they want to do a whole battery of test, IVS EKG, Antech, Indexx, Radiograph METs. Do you think all these test are necessary? I though we could just try some medication.
March 14, 2018
Shelby's Owner
0 Recommendations
Without examining Shelby I cannot determine whether or not the tests are justified or not, it is useful to diagnose heart issues so that the specific treatment can be given; whilst medication can help, it is always best to be sure what the specific cause is since some medications are contraindicated with some heart conditions and may cause a worsening of symptoms. Discuss with your Veterinarian about what possible conditions (differential diagnosis) they think Shelby may have and which test(s) they wish to do to narrow down to a diagnosis. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
March 14, 2018
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wilson
Labradoodle
15 Months
Moderate severity
0 found helpful
Moderate severity
Has Symptoms
My dog Wilson is a 15month old labradoodle. He accidentally ingested a small container of craisins and has vomited 4 times in the last 24 hours. My understanding unlike raisins, cranberry is not toxic. His vomit does not appear full of bile or blood or foam. Hard to know if he vomited or regurged. He is able to void. He is listless and has a irregular heart beat but not tachycardic. I have given him about 6 oz of coconut water slightly diluted. He has no spunk, is lying quietly He ate a little today and he did go for a walk today with family while I was at work. I think he hopefully should be okay overnight I will try to hydrate him again with coconut h20. Should I take him to vet asap or wait until am? Thanks Tina
Dec. 8, 2017
wilson's Owner
0 Recommendations
Thankfully cranberries, fresh or dried or not toxic to dogs but some products may have high sugar content which may cause issues with digestion in dogs; it is a case of keeping Wilson hydrated (plain water is fine) and keeping a close eye on him. If you have concerns, you should visit your Veterinarian for an examination but otherwise feed small bland meals every few hours and see how he goes. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Dec. 8, 2017
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Irregular Heartbeat Average Cost
From 367 quotes ranging from $500 - $6,500
Average Cost
$2,200
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