Irregular Heart Beat
I have a
toy breed spaniel, approx 5.5lbs, became ill with fever (104)lethargy, no appetite. No vomiting, no loose stools. She was treated as
having a cold with antibiotic shots (2) and oral liquid, plus
chlorpheniramine 4mg tablets (.5 tablet morning and evening.) The pup
recovered and I took her to begin her vaccination shots the following week.
At this examination (her 4th at this particular practice) the dr. detected an
irregular heart beat. This had not be picked up by his three colleagues in
previous visits, nor by the emergency room vet. (who went out of his way to
say he heart sounded good) nor by two vets in the UK (the pup is imported)
We have an appointment with a cardio. this Friday. However, I'm now
wondering whether the antihistamine could be responsible for this
irregularity? Surely an irregular heartbeat would have been detected. The
dr. who found it, asked a colleague (one of whom had previously examined the
pup) to listen to her heart ... he had primed her in advance that he thought
there was a problem though so understandably, she commented after listening,
hmm, better to check it out
Are you able to offer any information on the drugs and potential side effects?
Irregular heart beats are common, and usually not a problem unless associated with other cardiac related clinical signs. The most common origin is sinus arrhythmia, an irregularity in the pacemaker of the heart. If your dog is otherwise fine, you do not need to worry about the irregular heart beat. The antihistamines are likely unrelated.
If the veterinarian that identified the irregular heart beat failed to explain how common this is, and it is most likely normal, then he is using scare tactics to get you to spend more money on a full heart work up. Consider getting a second opinion from another veterinarian.
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