1,131 bytes added
, 09:42, 2 July 2010
Small Animal: Common
Large Animal: Uncommon, but more common then ventricular premature complexes
a. '''Atrial Premature Complexes (APC)='''As the name suggests, an APC is an abnormal ectopic premature beat occurring in the atrial tissue outside the SA node and above the AV node.
b. '''Junctional Premature Complexes (JPC)='''As the name suggests, a JPC is an abnormal ectopic premature beat occurring in the AV nodal region.
====Causes====
APCs and JPCs can arise as the result of pathological conditions in the cardiac atria, or electrolyte and acid-base disturbances.
'''ECG Appearance:''' Premature ectopic P wave +/-; Premature QRS complex
====Treatment====
'''Small Animals'''
*Treat underlying cause
*Treat with antiarrhythmic drugs if clinical signs remain
Antiarrhythmic drugs: e.g digoxin, diltiazem
'''Large Animals'''
*Treat underlying cause
*Box rest with heart rate and rhythm monitoring
*If + for heart failure, give digoxin
*Vagal manoeuvres (e.g. carotid sinus or ocular massage)
*Quinidine sulfate[[Category:Altered_Supraventricular_Impulse_Formations]][[Category:To_Do_-_Cardiovascular]]