Prognostic significance of the electrocardiogram in dogs with atrial fibrillation: a retrospective study of 59 cases.

The clinical histories of 59 dogs suffering from atrial fibrillation (AF) were reviewed and the relationship between the occurrence of AF and parameters such as breed, sex, age and bodyweight investigated. The survival period could be determined in 44 patients and electrocardiograms of these dogs were reinterpreted. The relationship between the survival period and electrocardiographic parameters, age and bodyweight were tested statistically. Significant relationships between the survival period and bodyweight, R wave voltage and QRS duration were established. No significant correlation between the survival period and age or heart rate at the time of diagnosis could be determined.