Atrial Fibrillation in Dogs

Atrial Fibrillation in Dogs

By: PetPlace Veterinarians

Section: Overview


What to Watch For

The symptoms of atrial fibrillation are not very specific.

  • Congestive heart failure with fluid accumulation in the chest or abdomen
  • Reduced exercise tolerance
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Chaotic heart rhythm

    Diagnosis

    Diagnostic tests are needed to recognize AF, and exclude other diseases. The evaluation of a dog with AF is similar to that needed to evaluate any cardiac patient. These tests may include:

  • Complete medical history and physical examination, including auscultation with a stethoscope

  • An electrocardiogram (EKG) to diagnose the rhythm with certainty

  • Chest radiographs to assess heart size and detect evidence of congestive heart failure

  • An echocardiogram for definitive diagnosis of underlying heart disease

  • Serum biochemical tests with special interest on kidney function and electrolytes

  • Thyroid fu
    nction in dogs receiving supplementation with thyroxine

  • Heartworm (HW) antigen test if appropriate for your geographic area

    Treatment

    Treatments for AF depend on the underlying heart condition. In most cases, heart failure is also evident and must be managed medically.

    Hospital control of congestive heart failure includes:

  • Furosemide – a diuretic drug.

  • Possible use of a nitrate to dilated blood vessels

  • Oxygen if needed

  • Digoxin to improve heart function and decrease the heart rate

  • Thoracocentesis, which is a procedure to remove chest fluid by inserting a needle into the chest and removing excess fluid by syringe

    Home therapy includes:

  • Oral digoxin (Lanoxin, Cardoxin).

  • Addition of either a beta blocker drug or a calcium channel antagonist (diltiazem) to control heart rate

  • Treatment for CHF such as oral furosemide, enalapril or benazepril and dietary sodium restriction

    Home Care and Prevention

    Administer all medications as prescribed by your physician. Learn the side effects of each medication; for example, digoxin can lead to loss of appetite or vomiting. Alert your veterinarian if there are signs of difficult breathing, loss of appetite, exercise intolerance, coughing or other symptoms.

    There is no specific preventative measure for atrial fibrillation. It is important to give all medication for any existing heart condition. See your veterinarian for routine examinations to monitor the progress of the disease.

     
    Printable Version
     
    Have a Pet Question?
    Send Your Pet Question to Dr. Jon
    and His Staff of Veterinarians Ask Dr. Jon
    Dr. Jon's Newsletter
    Yes! Send Me the Latest Health Information, Pet Tips, Pet Stories and more...
     
     

    Related Articles

    • 1 Congestive Heart Failure in Dogs

      Heart failure is a condition, caused by an abnormality in the structure or the function of the heart, in which it is unable to pump normal quantities of blood to the tissues of the body.

      Read MoreRead More
    • 2 Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Dogs (DCM)

      Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a disease characterized by dilation or enlargement of the heart chambers and markedly reduced contraction. DCM is very common in dogs, representing the most common reason...

      Read MoreRead More
    • Related Articles
    • 1 Congestive Heart Failure in Dogs

      Heart failure is a condition, caused by an abnormality in the structure or the function of the heart, in which it is unable to pump normal quantities of blood to the tissues of the body.

      Read MoreRead More
    • 2 Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Dogs (DCM)

      Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a disease characterized by dilation or enlargement of the heart chambers and markedly reduced contraction. DCM is very common in dogs, representing the most common reason...

      Read MoreRead More
     

    Over 10,000 Veterinarian Approved Articles

    Dogs & Puppies
    Cats
    Related Articles
    • 1 Congestive Heart Failure in Dogs

      Heart failure is a condition, caused by an abnormality in the structure or the function of the heart, in which it is unable to pump normal quantities of blood to the tissues of the body.

      Read MoreRead More
    • 2 Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Dogs (DCM)

      Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a disease characterized by dilation or enlargement of the heart chambers and markedly reduced contraction. DCM is very common in dogs, representing the most common reason...

      Read MoreRead More
    Advertisement
    Advertisement