Pay close attention all of you Miniature Schnauzer lovers! The breed you fancy is prone to a heart condition called Sick Sinus Syndrome (SSS). The sinus involved is not within the respiratory tract. Rather, it is a structure called the sinus node that is located within the heart.
The sinus node is responsible for electronically initiating the normal heartbeat and establishing the normal heart rate. In dogs with SSS, the sinus node has lapses in which it discharges (beats much too slowly, or not at all). As a result, there are long pauses in between heartbeats. Sometimes, an electrical impulse originating from another part of the heart will come to the rescue, particularly if the heart has stopped for several seconds. Such rescue beats can be very rapid.
In most cases, the sinus node will eventually resume its job in which case there will be periods of normal heart rate (60-100 beats per minute). Other dogs with SSS have a constant bradycardia (heart rate is too slow). Even with exercise or excitement, the heart rate remains at less than 40 beats per minute.
Cause of sick sinus syndrome in dogs
The exact cause of the sinus node malfunction is unknown. Although any breed of dog can be affected, a genetic basis is suspect because SSS primarily affects Miniature Schnauzers, Dachshunds, Cocker Spaniels, West Highland White Terriers, and Pugs. Middle-aged to older females are particularly predisposed. The mode of inheritance is unknown, and there is no genetic testing available. Nonetheless, the appearance of SSS in a breeding dog should strongly discourage future breeding.
Symptoms of sick sinus syndrome in dogs
A dog with SSS becomes symptomatic because of his subnormal heart rate. The most common symptoms include:
- Weakness
- Lethargy
- Exercise intolerance
- Collapse
- Fainting episodes (also known as syncopal episodes)
Some dogs with severe, long-standing SSS can develop symptoms of congestive heart failure including weakness, labored breathing and coughing.
It can sometimes be difficult to differentiate between a fainting episode (syncope) and a seizure. Videotaping such an event at home to then share with the examining veterinarian can be most helpful.
Diagnosis of sick sinus syndrome in dogs
SSS is strongly suspected based on the dog’s breed, history and a thorough physical examination. Listening with a stethoscope often reveals a heart rate that is lower than normal and stays this way even when the dog is asked to exercise. Other testing that may be recommended includes:
- An electrocardiogram (ECG)—To look for abnormalities characteristic of SSS changes.
- Blood testing—To rule out an underlying metabolic problem. Abnormalities in blood calcium or potassium levels have the potential to mimic SSS changes.
- Holter monitoring—Provides a 24-hour electrocardiogram (ECG) tracing. The testing equipment is housed within a vest that is worn by the dog at home. This may be necessary to determine if a dog has SSS, particularly if the heart rate is normal at the time of the physical examination.
- An atropine response test—To differentiate dogs with SSS. Atropine is a drug that normally causes the heart rate to escalate. When atropine is given to a dog with SSS, the very low heart rate remains unchanged.
- Chest x-rays—To look for evidence of heart failure.
- Cardiac ultrasound (echocardiogram)—To look for changes in the appearance of the heart valves and sizes of the four chambers that can occur secondary to chronic SSS.
Treatment of sick sinus syndrome in dogs
For dogs with SSS, the therapeutic goal is to maintain a normal heart rate so as to restore a good quality of life. If SSS is caught quite early during an annual physical exam, and the dog is symptom-free, no treatment beyond careful monitoring may be required for the time being.
For dogs experiencing symptoms, two forms of therapy can be considered:
- Vagolytic drugs—These medications are used in an attempt to maintain a normal heart rate. While it is reasonable to try such drugs, they don’t have a very consistent track record of success. Additionally, side effects are relatively common. Examples of vagolytic drugs are theophylline, terbutaline and propantheline bromide.
- Pacemaker implantation—This is truly the treatment of choice for most dogs with symptoms caused by SSS. When properly placed and monitored, a pacemaker is capable of restoring a normal quality of life for years to come.
Veterinarians who specialize in cardiology are the masters of pacemaker implantation. Just as in people, the pacemaker can be placed without a significant surgery involved. Access to pacemaker implantation may be limited depending on where one lives and their ability to pay for such a state-of-the-art procedure.
Questions to ask your veterinarian
- Has SSS clearly been diagnosed?
- What are the options for treatment?
- What is the closest access to pacemaker implantation for my dog?
- What should I do at home if my dog collapses or faints?
If you have any questions or concerns, you should always visit or call your veterinarian -- they are your best resource to ensure the health and well-being of your pets.