Complications associated with permanent pacemaker implantation in the dog.

Serious complications developed in 11 dogs treated for bradycardia with surgical implantation of a permanent pacemaker. Complications resulted from underlying heart disease, cardiac dysrhythmias, drugs and anesthetic agents, surgery, pulse generator and pacemaker lead malfunction, and infection. As a result of these complications, 8 dogs died from 1 day to 35 months after surgery. Their mean survival time was 17 months. Three dogs are alive and doing well. Evaluation of clinical and electrocardiographic abnormalities were necessary for the successful management of complications in some of these patients. It was concluded that complications should be expected in dogs that are treated wih cardiac pacemakers and that many of these problems can be anticipated and successfully treated.