If your dog has been diagnosed with a rapid heart rate/tachycardia, it may be treatable with a catheter-based procedure. Unfortunately, not all types of tachycardia can be cured by ablation. This website describes the problem expected, the procedures that would be performed, along with their risks and benefits. If you have any additional questions, contact Dr. Wright via phone: (513) 561-0069 or e-mail at kathy.wright@medvetforpets.com.
What are the chances of a successful outcome if your dog with tachycardia is a candidate for an ablation?
Dr. Wright and her team have had a ~98% success rate with ablating accessory pathways in dogs and a ~60% success rate for ablating atrial tachycardias in dogs (hopefully increasing in future). Their team has successfully performed this ablation procedure on over 100 dogs over the past 8 years. Read about some of these pet's stories here.
Article by Dr. Wright and Her Team on Ablation Outcomes for 89 Dogs with Accessory Pathway Problems
| dr._wrights_study.pdf |
Radiofrequency catheter ablation successfully eliminated AP conduction long term in 98.8% of dogs in which it was performed. Complications occurred in 5/89 dogs. Recurrence in 3 dogs was eliminated long term with a second procedure.
Some Healed Heart Club Joy Filled Videos
Mila Mae's Testimonial
See more adorable pictures of Mila Mae here
Amy |
Tripp |
Wiglaf
For those who already have pet insurance, some pet insurance, such as Nationwide's Whole Health with Wellness plan, has in the past covered the cost of successful heart ablation surgery for dogs with Dr. Wright and her team.
They have over 100 ablation success stories to date. Click here or on the pictures below to read the about the journey of these special dogs and their families. |
This procedure is unique in that it offers a cure for certain abnormal rhythms, rather than simply trying to decrease the number of episodes of rapid rhythm. All rhythm medications can be stopped if the ablation procedure is successful. |
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The cardiologist told me Skype has a heart arrhythmia, which can be treated
in either of two ways. She could prescribe meds (which Skype would take
every 8 hours for the rest of her life) or she could refer us to cardiologist who
pioneered a special surgical procedure that would fix her heart.
in either of two ways. She could prescribe meds (which Skype would take
every 8 hours for the rest of her life) or she could refer us to cardiologist who
pioneered a special surgical procedure that would fix her heart.
Angie R,
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We were greatly blessed to meet Dr. Wright and recommend highly any dog owner who has similar heart issues that we had with our dog. The people in Cincinnati are the utmost professionals that empathetically provide a great service to veterinary world.
Kent, Marcia, & Alex H.
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Dr. Kathy Wright was highly recommended and is a pioneer in performing a minimally invasive procedure to slow down Harry’s heart. Without giving a second thought we travelled from our home in New York to Cincinnati Ohio.
Kathryn S.
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When Milo and I arrived in Cincinnati after driving across the country from the San Francisco Bay Area I was impressed with the level of professionalism at Dr. Wright's hospital. Also I was pleasantly surprised to hear the amount of assistance Dr. Wright would have in the operating room that included beyond her: a pediatric cardiologist, an anesthesiologist and ~ 5 other nurses/ assistants. Needless to say Milo was in very good medical hands.
Kent H.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What can cause these abnormally rapid heart rates?
Some dogs have abnormally rapid heart rates, which can be caused by an extra connection between the upper chambers (the atria which receive blood from the body) and the pumping chambers (ventricles), by an abnormally firing focus within the upper chambers, by an abnormal electrical circuit within those upper chambers, or by an extra pathway within the normal conduction system. The abnormally rapid heart rate does not allow the pumping chambers to efficiently fill with blood; therefore, less blood is pumped to supply the needs of the tissues. If the abnormal rhythm is sustained, heart failure and secondary heart muscle disease can result. Both of these complications are potentially reversible with adequate rhythm control.
Some dogs have abnormally rapid heart rates, which can be caused by an extra connection between the upper chambers (the atria which receive blood from the body) and the pumping chambers (ventricles), by an abnormally firing focus within the upper chambers, by an abnormal electrical circuit within those upper chambers, or by an extra pathway within the normal conduction system. The abnormally rapid heart rate does not allow the pumping chambers to efficiently fill with blood; therefore, less blood is pumped to supply the needs of the tissues. If the abnormal rhythm is sustained, heart failure and secondary heart muscle disease can result. Both of these complications are potentially reversible with adequate rhythm control.
Another problem can occur if an extra connection (accessory pathway) is able to conduct in a forward direction. The heart’s normal conduction system imposes a delay in the passage of an impulse from the receiving chambers to the pumping chambers. If the upper chambers develop a rapid rhythm, the normal conduction system will not allow the ventricles to go as rapidly. An accessory pathway typically does not have this built-in mechanism to slow conduction. The pumping chambers could therefore be driven rapidly by an abnormal atrial rhythm.
What is an electrophysiology study?
General anesthesia is used throughout the study and ablation so that your animal experiences no discomfort. Your dog will be shaved over the neck, both groins, and back to prepare them for a sterile procedure. Small squares on each limb and a section across the chest will be shaved for application of ECG electrodes to monitor their electrocardiogram throughout the procedure. The neck and groin sites will be prepared with antiseptic solutions. Catheters will be introduced through the large veins in the neck and groin. These catheters will be positioned at key locations within the heart to “map” the abnormal rhythm. In order to do this, we must induce the rapid rhythm in your dog during the procedure. Various areas of the heart will be paced through the catheters in order to start and stop the abnormal rhythm. Drugs will also be given to try to induce the arrhythmia before and/or after ablation. If the abnormal connection lies on the left side of the heart, we will need to introduce a catheter through the artery in the groin.
General anesthesia is used throughout the study and ablation so that your animal experiences no discomfort. Your dog will be shaved over the neck, both groins, and back to prepare them for a sterile procedure. Small squares on each limb and a section across the chest will be shaved for application of ECG electrodes to monitor their electrocardiogram throughout the procedure. The neck and groin sites will be prepared with antiseptic solutions. Catheters will be introduced through the large veins in the neck and groin. These catheters will be positioned at key locations within the heart to “map” the abnormal rhythm. In order to do this, we must induce the rapid rhythm in your dog during the procedure. Various areas of the heart will be paced through the catheters in order to start and stop the abnormal rhythm. Drugs will also be given to try to induce the arrhythmia before and/or after ablation. If the abnormal connection lies on the left side of the heart, we will need to introduce a catheter through the artery in the groin.
What is radiofrequency catheter ablation?
Radiofrequency energy for this procedure is delivered through a special cardiac system with special frequencies and characteristics for the heart. When a site believed to be the accessory pathway is found, energy is delivered through a special ablation catheter for a short period. If the abnormal rhythm is disrupted and no ill effects are observed, energy delivery is continued. After what appears to be a successful ablation, we test for 1 hour to make certain that the abnormal rhythm does not reappear during this early follow-up.
Radiofrequency energy for this procedure is delivered through a special cardiac system with special frequencies and characteristics for the heart. When a site believed to be the accessory pathway is found, energy is delivered through a special ablation catheter for a short period. If the abnormal rhythm is disrupted and no ill effects are observed, energy delivery is continued. After what appears to be a successful ablation, we test for 1 hour to make certain that the abnormal rhythm does not reappear during this early follow-up.
When is it best to do an ablation?
Early in the process after your dog has been diagnosed with an abnormal, rapid heart rhythm is the best time to do an electrophysiology study and ablation. We have certainly done these procedures in dogs who have had rhythm problems for years and failed multiple medications. The risk of anesthesia, however, is notably higher in those animals that have gone on to develop heart muscle disease.
Early in the process after your dog has been diagnosed with an abnormal, rapid heart rhythm is the best time to do an electrophysiology study and ablation. We have certainly done these procedures in dogs who have had rhythm problems for years and failed multiple medications. The risk of anesthesia, however, is notably higher in those animals that have gone on to develop heart muscle disease.
There will be no sutures to remove, unless the artery was entered.
What are the benefits of the procedure?
This procedure is unique in that it offers a cure for certain abnormal rhythms, rather than simply trying to decrease the number of episodes of rapid rhythm. All rhythm medications can be stopped if the ablation procedure is successful. Dogs who have heart muscle disease and heart failure secondary to their rapid rhythm are typically able to be weaned off their heart failure medications over the first 2 months after successful ablation. This procedure has the highest success rate in dogs for accessory pathways. The success rate for atrial tachycardias is considerably lower, due to the lack of safe accessibility to a large portion of the left atrium in the dog.
This procedure is unique in that it offers a cure for certain abnormal rhythms, rather than simply trying to decrease the number of episodes of rapid rhythm. All rhythm medications can be stopped if the ablation procedure is successful. Dogs who have heart muscle disease and heart failure secondary to their rapid rhythm are typically able to be weaned off their heart failure medications over the first 2 months after successful ablation. This procedure has the highest success rate in dogs for accessory pathways. The success rate for atrial tachycardias is considerably lower, due to the lack of safe accessibility to a large portion of the left atrium in the dog.
What are the risks of the procedure?
Complications during this procedure are rare, but can occur. Electrophysiologic studies are performed under general anesthesia, which carries the risk (albeit small) of airway irritation and even death. The likelihood of poor tolerance to anesthesia increases the worse the heart’s mechanical function becomes. Hematomas (bruises) can form at the sites where catheters are introduced into large vessels. This is more likely if the artery must be used. Excessive blood loss, which has been reported in rare human cases, could be life-threatening. If an accessory pathway or abnormal focus in the upper chamber lies near the normal conduction system, there is the possibility that the normal conduction system may be damaged during radiofrequency energy delivery. If the conduction system is damaged, a pacemaker may be needed, if permanent damage occurs. Every possible precaution is taken to avoid this complication; however it remains a possibility of which you should be aware. Other potential complications encountered very rarely in human ablation cases (not seen to date but a very rare potential in veterinary cases) are: perforation of a part of the heart with a catheter, damage to a coronary artery (resulting in the equivalent of a “heart attack”), and clot formation within a portion of the heart.
Complications during this procedure are rare, but can occur. Electrophysiologic studies are performed under general anesthesia, which carries the risk (albeit small) of airway irritation and even death. The likelihood of poor tolerance to anesthesia increases the worse the heart’s mechanical function becomes. Hematomas (bruises) can form at the sites where catheters are introduced into large vessels. This is more likely if the artery must be used. Excessive blood loss, which has been reported in rare human cases, could be life-threatening. If an accessory pathway or abnormal focus in the upper chamber lies near the normal conduction system, there is the possibility that the normal conduction system may be damaged during radiofrequency energy delivery. If the conduction system is damaged, a pacemaker may be needed, if permanent damage occurs. Every possible precaution is taken to avoid this complication; however it remains a possibility of which you should be aware. Other potential complications encountered very rarely in human ablation cases (not seen to date but a very rare potential in veterinary cases) are: perforation of a part of the heart with a catheter, damage to a coronary artery (resulting in the equivalent of a “heart attack”), and clot formation within a portion of the heart.
What are alternatives to this procedure?
Treatment with antiarrhythmic drugs is the major alternative to radiofrequency catheter ablation. Unfortunately, drugs also have their own spectrum of potential side-effects (including a small incidence of fatal arrhythmias), and become less effective over time. Dogs who do not have tachycardia or have it very infrequently, as documented by Holter monitoring, however, may not need any treatment.
Treatment with antiarrhythmic drugs is the major alternative to radiofrequency catheter ablation. Unfortunately, drugs also have their own spectrum of potential side-effects (including a small incidence of fatal arrhythmias), and become less effective over time. Dogs who do not have tachycardia or have it very infrequently, as documented by Holter monitoring, however, may not need any treatment.
Amy the dog's owner reported that her medicine was happily FLUSHED after her successful heart ablation procedure with Dr. Wright and her team.
What are the chances of a successful outcome?
Dr. Wright and her team have had a ~98% success rate with ablating accessory pathways and a ~60% success rate for ablating atrial tachycardias (hopefully increasing in future).
Dr. Wright and her team have had a ~98% success rate with ablating accessory pathways and a ~60% success rate for ablating atrial tachycardias (hopefully increasing in future).
How do I care for my dog before this procedure? What do I need to bring to Cincinnati?
Continue to care for your dog as prescribed by your veterinarian. You will need to make an appointment with your veterinarian to have blood drawn for a routine CBC and biochemical profile and chest x-rays taken the week before the study. Dr. Wright will determine if all of the antiarrhythmic drugs can be continued until the time of admission or if certain one's need to be discontinued based on your dog’s particular case. This is done so drugs that can inhibit our ability to induce and map the abnormal rhythm are minimal in your dog’s bloodstream and tissues. Heart failure medications, such as Enacard (Vasotec) and Lasix, can be continued. Please bring a copy of your dog’s pedigree with you. We are studying whether this condition has any genetic tendencies in dogs. Dr. Wright, therefore, may contact your dog’s breeder to identify relatives of your dog for noninvasive testing. All of your records will remain confidential. Another part of the process to determine if these pathways or atrial arrhythmias have a genetic basis will be to draw a blood sample from your dog for future examination of potential genes that may be involved.
Continue to care for your dog as prescribed by your veterinarian. You will need to make an appointment with your veterinarian to have blood drawn for a routine CBC and biochemical profile and chest x-rays taken the week before the study. Dr. Wright will determine if all of the antiarrhythmic drugs can be continued until the time of admission or if certain one's need to be discontinued based on your dog’s particular case. This is done so drugs that can inhibit our ability to induce and map the abnormal rhythm are minimal in your dog’s bloodstream and tissues. Heart failure medications, such as Enacard (Vasotec) and Lasix, can be continued. Please bring a copy of your dog’s pedigree with you. We are studying whether this condition has any genetic tendencies in dogs. Dr. Wright, therefore, may contact your dog’s breeder to identify relatives of your dog for noninvasive testing. All of your records will remain confidential. Another part of the process to determine if these pathways or atrial arrhythmias have a genetic basis will be to draw a blood sample from your dog for future examination of potential genes that may be involved.
How do I care for my dog after this procedure?
Your dog will come home with a light wrap around his/her neck (where the jugular veins were accessed). This can be removed in 2 days. You should use a harness rather than a collar to walk your dog for the first week after the procedure. The groin area will not be wrapped (its shape does not lend itself to wrapping!), but just make sure that your dog does not lick/irritate that area. There will be no sutures to remove, unless the artery was entered. Dr. Wright or a veterinary cardiologist closer to you should evaluate your dog (ECG, Holter, +/- ultrasound) 1 month, 6 months, and 1 year after the procedure. Dr. Wright will be contacting you by telephone yearly thereafter to monitor your dog.
Your dog will come home with a light wrap around his/her neck (where the jugular veins were accessed). This can be removed in 2 days. You should use a harness rather than a collar to walk your dog for the first week after the procedure. The groin area will not be wrapped (its shape does not lend itself to wrapping!), but just make sure that your dog does not lick/irritate that area. There will be no sutures to remove, unless the artery was entered. Dr. Wright or a veterinary cardiologist closer to you should evaluate your dog (ECG, Holter, +/- ultrasound) 1 month, 6 months, and 1 year after the procedure. Dr. Wright will be contacting you by telephone yearly thereafter to monitor your dog.
What types of animals can be treated with this procedure at MedVet Cincinnati?
Dogs or animals that are roughly in the size range of a dog could possibly be a candidate, including wild animals. Unfortunately at this time, the equipment cannot be used on animals as small as cats.
Dogs or animals that are roughly in the size range of a dog could possibly be a candidate, including wild animals. Unfortunately at this time, the equipment cannot be used on animals as small as cats.
How much experience do Dr. Wright and her team have with these procedures?
The current team has been working together the past 8 years, with Dr. Wright and Holly Irvin working together on cases for the past 18 years.
The current team has been working together the past 8 years, with Dr. Wright and Holly Irvin working together on cases for the past 18 years.
I live in another state. Do I need to return to Cincinnati for follow-up appointments?
No, usually Dr. Wright or a veterinary cardiologist closer to you should evaluate your dog (ECG, Holter, +/- ultrasound) 1 month, 6 months, and 1 year after the procedure. The price of the rental holter monitor is included in the fee for your dog. Dr. Wright will be contacting you by telephone yearly thereafter to monitor your dog.
No, usually Dr. Wright or a veterinary cardiologist closer to you should evaluate your dog (ECG, Holter, +/- ultrasound) 1 month, 6 months, and 1 year after the procedure. The price of the rental holter monitor is included in the fee for your dog. Dr. Wright will be contacting you by telephone yearly thereafter to monitor your dog.
How much does this cost?
Please contact Dr. Wright to see if your dog is a candidate and inquire about costs for the surgery. It may be helpful to keep in mind that 2 Emergency Room visits/hospitalizations cost as much as an ablation, let alone the medications, ongoing scheduled follow-ups and holter monitoring, etc. that take it well above that.
Please contact Dr. Wright to see if your dog is a candidate and inquire about costs for the surgery. It may be helpful to keep in mind that 2 Emergency Room visits/hospitalizations cost as much as an ablation, let alone the medications, ongoing scheduled follow-ups and holter monitoring, etc. that take it well above that.
May I be connected with other owners who have had this procedure done on their pet about their experience?
Yes, once Dr. Wright has confirmed that your dog is a candidate for this type of procedure, she has the names of pet owners whose dogs who would be glad to talk with you about their experience.
Yes, once Dr. Wright has confirmed that your dog is a candidate for this type of procedure, she has the names of pet owners whose dogs who would be glad to talk with you about their experience.
*Answers to Frequently Asked Questions are from Dr. Wright and MedVet for Pets. Please do not reproduce without their permission.
2 ER visits/hospitalizations cost as much as an ablation, let alone the medications, scheduled follow-ups, etc. that take it well above that.
Snapshot of the Magic Moment: ECG During Successful Ablation of an Accessory Pathway in a Dog
This figure shows intracardiac electrograms during radio frequency catheter ablation of an accessory pathway. The first 6 complexes show retrograde conduction over the accessory pathway (lengthening on the last 2 complexes as the pathway is being destroyed by radiofrequency energy), then the tachycardia terminates because the accessory pathway is destroyed. (Courtesy of/Copyright 2018, Dr. Kathy Wright)
Dr. Wright and her team were pioneers in cardiac ablation therapy in dogs and are renowned in North America for their success. They have a high success rate with dogs who no longer need heart medicine, no longer are at risk for sudden death or expensive ER visits due to their heart rate, and no longer have activity restrictions after their ablation procedure.
Our website was created by forever grateful owners of dogs who exhibited certain types of dangerously rapid heart rates, which were successfully treated by Kathy Wright, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM. She and her team at MedVet are heroes to our families. As dog owners, we are not medical professionals, though, so please consult your vet and/or Dr. Wright directly, for specific information pertaining to your dog's case.
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Proceeds from of one of our two Healed Heart Club t-shirts designs will be donated to help pay for surgery for one or more dogs who need this ablation surgery but are having trouble affording it.
Contact Dr. Wright to learn about how to obtain our limited edition t-shirts. |
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