February 2011

Preventing sudden cardiac death in dogs

LSU Cardiology starts an ICD program for dogs

There is hope for dogs at risk of sudden cardiac death! Until recently, only drugs, known as antiarrhythmics, were available to manage life-threatening arrhythmias in dogs with cardiac disease. Unfortunately, while they may improve the pet’s quality of life, they may not decrease the risk of unexpected cardiac arrest.

In 2008, the Cardiology Service at LSU was able to place an implantable cardioverter defibrillator, or ICD, in a young German Shepherd dog. ICDs are small electrical devices, placed subcutaneously and connected to an electrode inside the heart, that are able to detect life-threatening arrhythmias and stop them by delivering an electrical shock. 

ICDs are not currently used in dogs because of cost-related limitations and the technical challenges associated with the use of devices designed for people in dogs.

Through a partnership with St. Jude Medical, The Cardiology Service at LSU is now ready to implant ICDs to treat dogs judged to be at high-risk for sudden death.

Candidates for ICD implantation are:

-       Boxers with clinical signs and ventricular tachycardia not responsive to standard antiarrhythmic medications.

-       Dobermans with cardiomyopathy and collapsing episodes 

-       German Shepherd dogs with severe inherited ventricular arrhythmias

-       Large-breed dogs with severe arrhythmias secondary to Chagas disease

To this day, only 2 ICDs have been placed in pets (the first one at Washington State University and the second at LSU). We hope that through this program we will be able to help some beloved pets and increase the knowledge about the use of ICDs in dogs.

Contact us if you have any questions about this program (Ph: 225-578-9600_ask to talk to a cardiologist / E-mail: rpariaut@vetmed.lsu.edu)

Heart-screening program

The LSU Heart-screening program has been develop to better detect inherited cardiac diseases in dogs and cats participating in a breeding program.

Detection of heart disease is based on cardiac ausculation, Holter monitoring, 2-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography.

The diagnostic tests used vary with the disease and the breed.

If you breed dogs or cats and you would like to use the LSU Heart-screening program, please contact Rachel Tankersley or Thomas Sugg at 225-578-9600 (The receptionist will be able to transfer you to the Cardiology service. You may leave a message and we will call you back).

Heart-screening program fees:

Cardiac auscultation by a board-certified cardiologist…………………..……...... $ 35

Indication: Puppies for sale, OFA heart certification

2-dimensional, pulsed-, continuous- and color Doppler

-          New animal first evaluation………………………………………….   $ 160

-          Annual follow-up evaluation (within 12 to 15 months)…………… $  90

Indication: ARVC screening ( Boxers, Bulldogs…), Occult dilated cardiomyopathy (Dobermans), Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (Maine Coon, Bengal…), purebred dogs and cats with murmurs

Digital 24-hour Holter recording

-          Screening……………………………......…$ 160

Indication: Healthy dogs

Full disclosure reviewed by cardiologist

Holter placed at LSU, or equipment mailed to you.

-          Diagnosis…………….……………………...$ 260

Indication: Dogs with known arrhythmias

In-house analysis and interpretation by cardiologist

Holter placed at LSU.

Cardiology is the clinical specialty that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of heart and the vascular system.  The American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Specialty of Cardiology (ACVIM Cardiology) governs this specialty of veterinary medicine, and is responsible for establishing training requirements, evaluating and accrediting training programs, and examining and certifying veterinary cardiologists.

Board-certified veterinary cardiologists have the designation, Diplomate ACVIM (Cardiology). In order to gain board certification in cardiology, a licensed veterinarian must first complete a minimum of 3 years of accredited advanced training after graduation from veterinary school, and pass a series of rigorous examinations administered by the ACVIM. As part of their training program, board certified veterinary cardiologists receive specific and extensive training in a variety of diagnostic imaging techniques (including echocardiography and angiography), as well as interventional and medical treatments for heart and vascular diseases. The LSU Cardiology Service has two board certified veterinary cardiologist on staff and a cardiology resident.

Primary appointments, appointments by referral, and second opinions are seen daily Monday- Friday.  Breed-related certifications for congenital heart disease are also available.  Appointments are generally seen from 10 AM – 12 PM, Monday – Friday.  

After hours, a veterinarian is on duty to accept, triage and manage emergency cases that present to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Emergencies are seen 24 hours a day.