ABSTRACT
This clinical problem can pertain to heartbeats originating from ectopic foci (outside the sinus node), abnormal intracardiac conduction, or even to heart rhythms of normal (sinus) origin but inappropriate or unexpected rate. Cardiac arrhythmias occur for many reasons. While some arrhythmias are of no clinical consequence, others cause weakness, syncope, or sudden death, especially in animals with underlying disease. An arrhythmia may be suspected from the animal’s history or identified on physical examination. An accurate ECG diagnosis is important (Table 34 and see Chapter 4). The clinical context of the arrhythmia, and whether it is of hemodynamic significance, are also important. Some arrhythmias are benign and do not require treatment. However, therapy (see Chapter 17) is indicated
for arrhythmias associated with clinical signs or a disease known to pose increased risk for sudden arrhythmic death.
