Species: Dog
Condition: Persistent Atrial Standstill
Organ System: Nervous/sensory
A rare condition that manifests itself in the disturbance of the normal heart rhythm. It is cased by the structural changes in the upper heart chambers. Some dog breeds are genetically predisposed to this condition. They are lethargic, weak and prone to fainting. Upon examination the vet will determine slow heart rate and irregular rhythm. The diagnosis is confirmed through ECG. Dogs with high potassium levels and severe dehydration need to be hospitalized. If the abnormal heart rhythm cannot be corrected with drugs, surgery is required. The dog will have a pacemaker implanted into chest cavity to help control the heart rhythm.
Breeds exposed to Persistent Atrial Standstill – Research Reference
Miniature Dachshund Cross – (Abbot 2003)
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Cross – (Beardow & Buchanan 1993)
“Labradoodle Cross – (Finco et al. 1977
Lhasa Apso Cross – (Buchanan 1963)
“Maltese Cross – (Franklin
“Poodle – Standard Cross – (Finco et al. 1977
“Pekingese Cross – (Finco et al. 1977
Miniature Dachshund – Wire Haired Cross – (Abbot 2003)
Miniature Dachshund- Long Haired Cross – (Abbot 2003)
Yorkshire Terrier Cross – (Bonagura 2001)
Miniature Dachshund – Smooth Haired Cross – (Abbot 2003)
“Schnoodle Cross – (Finco et al. 1977
“Cocker Spaniel Cross – (Franklin
“Spoodle Cross – (Finco et al. 1977
Lhasa Apso – (Buchanan 1963)
Yorkshire Terrier – (Bonagura 2001)
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – (Beardow & Buchanan 1993)
Cavoodle – (Beardow & Buchanan 1993)
“Pekingese – (Finco et al. 1977
“Poodle – Standard – (Finco et al. 1977
“Golden Doodle (Groodle) – (Finco et al. 1977
“Labradoodle – (Finco et al. 1977
“Spoodle – (Finco et al. 1977
“Schnoodle – (Finco et al. 1977
“Cocker Spaniel – (Franklin
“Maltese – (Franklin
Miniature Dachshund – (Abbot 2003)
Miniature Dachshund – Smooth Haired – (Abbot 2003)
Miniature Dachshund – Wire Haired – (Abbot 2003)
Miniature Dachshund- Long Haired – (Abbot 2003)
Disease Author
Dr Merliza Cabriles, Professor of Veterinary Medicine
To learn more about Persistent Atrial Standstill or any other condition we invite you to search this website. Even better, pick up the phone and call your vet. Your vet knows your pet better than anyone else and is a fountain of information.
This information is accurate as at May 2014 and is subject to change without notice.
For Petmed Pet Health Insurance – pre-existing condition exclusion applies. Annual Benefit Limits and excess amounts vary based on pet health insurance plans.
