English springer spaniels with significant bradyarrhythmias--presentation, troponin I and follow-up after pacemaker implantation.

OBJECTIVES

English springer spaniels (ESS) are one of the most frequently presented breeds for pacemaker implantation in the UK and may do so at an early age. In comparison to dogs of other breeds (non-ESS) presenting for pacemaker implantation, cardiac troponin I (cTnI), the outcome and survival of ESS were investigated.

METHODS

Case records of dogs receiving pacemaker implantation were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

Between September 2004 and October 2008, 58 dogs were presented to the Small Animal Teaching Hospital, University of Liverpool for pacemaker implantation. ESS (n=10) was the second most commonly presented breed. ESS were significantly younger than non-ESS (P=0.022). cTnI values were elevated on presentation and a significant reduction was present after pacemaker implantation (P=0.008) in all dogs. No significant difference in initial cTnI was identified comparing ESS and non-ESS (P=0.45) and median survival times were similar (P=0.37).

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

ESS may be predisposed to bradyarrhythmias requiring pacemaker implantation. They present at a significantly younger age than non-ESS. Survival times between ESS and non-ESS were similar, despite ESS being paced at a younger age. However, pacemaker implantation is recommended in ESS, as median survival times of 30 months with a good quality of life were achieved.