Diagnosis and management of arrhythmias in dogs : a cross-sectional online survey among Flemish veterinary practitioners

Background: Diagnosis as well as management of arrhythmias in dogs can be challenging for veterinary practitioners. The aim was to describe ECG availability and use, as wellas the diagnostic and therapeutic experiences and preferences of Flemish veterinarians regarding cardiac arrhythmias in dogs. Methods: Cross-sectional online survey among veterinarians in Flanders (Belgium). Results: An ECG device was available for 55 out of 102 respondents (54%) and 41 (43%) claimed to use it in case of arrhythmia suspicion. Insufficient knowledge about ECG interpretation and immediate patient referral upo... Mehr ...

Verfasser: Hellemans, Arnaut
Schittekatte, Mark
Covents, Marc
Smets, Pascale
Dokumenttyp: journalarticle
Erscheinungsdatum: 2022
Schlagwörter: Veterinary Sciences / Anti-arrhythmic drug / Canine / Competences / ECG / Veterinary practitioners / SURVIVAL
Sprache: Englisch
Permalink: https://search.fid-benelux.de/Record/base-26705359
Datenquelle: BASE; Originalkatalog
Powered By: BASE
Link(s) : https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/8749830

Background: Diagnosis as well as management of arrhythmias in dogs can be challenging for veterinary practitioners. The aim was to describe ECG availability and use, as wellas the diagnostic and therapeutic experiences and preferences of Flemish veterinarians regarding cardiac arrhythmias in dogs. Methods: Cross-sectional online survey among veterinarians in Flanders (Belgium). Results: An ECG device was available for 55 out of 102 respondents (54%) and 41 (43%) claimed to use it in case of arrhythmia suspicion. Insufficient knowledge about ECG interpretation and immediate patient referral upon detection of an abnormal heart rhythm were the most important reasons for not having, or not using, an ECG. About half of the respondents (56%) had never used anti-arrhythmic drugs in dogs, although only a few reported having had a negative experience. Frequently provided reasons for not using anti-arrhythmic drugs included insufficient knowledge and a low number of dogs with arrhythmias. Conclusion: Most veterinarians reported having little or no expertise with arrhythmias in dogs. Electrocardiogram availability and use among respondents was moderateand too often restricted by insufficient ECG interpretation skills. Continued efforts are needed to increase the confidence and knowledge of veterinarians about arrhythmias in dogs.