- A rapid, regular heart beat caused by continuous ventricular premature complexes (VPCs).
- Serious condition which has the capability of causing ventricular fibrillation and ultimately death
Causes
Significant myocardial damage to the heart or disease in other systems, Drug reactions, Hypoxia, Anaemia, Electrolyte and acid-base disturbances, etc.
ECG Appearance: Wide and irregular QRS complexes, P waves without QRS complexes following
Treatment
Treat underlying conditions
Small Animals
Dog: lidocaine (1st line of treatment), quinidine or procainamide (2nd line of treatment)
Cat: propranolol (1st line of treatment), small dose of lidocaine (2nd line of treatment)
Large Animals
- Digitalis
- Quinidine Sulfate
- Magnesium Sulfate supplementation (used in horses)