Call for dogs with AF to take part in new study The Cardiology Service at the R(D)SVS Hospital for Small Animals is trying to find alternative ways of monitoring dogs with atrial fibrillation.Atrial fibrillation is a relatively frequent arrhythmia in dogs with heart disease and contributes to poor clinical outcome because of inappropriately high heart rates. A cornerstone of therapeutic management is to decrease the overall heart rate, which can be managed and monitored by using 24h electrocardiograms (Holter exams). Image AliveCor monitor and smartphone technology may be an alternative to patients requiring repeated Holter exams. Many cases will need more than one Holter exam to achieve appropriate heart rates, which can be financially prohibitive for many dog owners. Additionally, to fit the Holter device, the dog needs to travel to the vet hospital each time he has an exam, which can add stress to both dog and owner.New technologyThe Cardiology Service is conducting a study to develop a protocol of heart rate measurements taken by owners in the home environment (using smartphone technology and the AliveCor® monitor) and testing it against the Holter exam (considered the gold-standard) in dogs with Atrial fibrillation. This will eventually aim to help dogs that will not tolerate repeated Holter exams.The cardiology team is currently recruiting any dog diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, provided that the dog can tolerate the Holter exam. Dogs whose data can be used for the study will receive the Holter exam free of charge.The study will be carried out by Maria Ines Oliveira (senior clinical training scholar) and her supervisors (Yolanda Martinez Pereira and Geoff Culshaw). The study has been approved by the Veterinary Ethical Review Committee of the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies.If you would like one of your patients to take part in this study, please email Maria Ines Oliveira (link to email sahcard@exseed.ed.ac.uk About the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies is a one-of-a-kind centre of excellence in clinical activity, teaching and research. Our purpose-built campus, set against the backdrop of the beautiful Pentland Hills Regional Park, is home to more than 800 staff and almost 1400 students, all of whom contribute to our exceptional community ethos. The School comprises: The Roslin Institute The Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Systems The Roslin Innovation Centre The Hospital for Small Animals Equine Veterinary Services Farm Animal Services Easter Bush Pathology The Jeanne Marchig International Centre for Animal Welfare Education We represent the largest concentration of animal science-related expertise in Europe, impacting local, regional, national and international communities in terms of economic growth, the provision of clinical services and the advancement of scientific knowledge. Tags HfSA Vet Publication date 02 Mar, 2023
