Aug 15, 2022

Atrial Fibrillation and Sudden Cardiac Death in Dogs

In this VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we discuss atrial fibrillation (AF) in dogs. AF is a common arrhythmia in our canine patients, characterized by that classic “tennis shoes in a dryer” sound on auscultation. This arrhythmia is caused by disorganized, rapid electrical activity of the atria (Pedro). After identification of this abnormality on physical examination, it is important to confirm the arrhythmia with an electrocardiogram (ECG) and consider a full cardiac assessment to better understand the cause and severity of this finding. AF can itself lead to structural remodeling, and in humans with AF, an increased risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) is observed (Waldmann). However, it is unclear whether this risk for SCD is also true in dogs. So, Borgeat et al wanted to evaluate this in a study entitled "Prevalence of sudden cardiac death in dogs with atrial fibrillation." In this study, the authors hypothesize that a higher proportion of dogs with AF suffer from SCD than those with sinus rhythm and that SCD would be associated with complex ventricular arrhythmias as identified on a Holter monitor.

Aug 8, 2022

How to hire vets and how to find the job that’s right for you

In this VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we interview Dr. Andrew Heller (IndeVets co-founder and IndeVet #1) and Dr. Samantha Cantor (Veterinary Success Manager) at IndeVets. Find out how to hire veterinarians and what some red flags are that you should look for when interviewing a veterinarian. What are some green flags when hiring? Often veterinarian owners aren't specifically trained in hiring so this podcast will provide some key tips! IndeVets is creating a whole new way to work that puts vets like us first. They combine what makes associate work reliable with what makes relief work super flexible. That means all their doctors get proper pay for the hours they work, full benefits, and total schedule control – with a team dedicated to their happiness and growth every step of the way. IndeVets is vet-led and currently hiring highly competent and nice doctors. Check out them out at indevets.com.

Jul 4, 2022

Echocardiographic predictors of first onset of atrial fibrillation in dogs with CVHD using Speckle Tracking

In this VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we review echocardiographic predictors of first onset of atrial fibrillation in dogs with chronic valvular heart disease (CVHD) AKA myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) using speckle tracking. The onset of atrial fibrillation (AF) is a negative prognostic indicator in dogs with underlying structural heart disease, and the likelihood of onset of atrial fibrillation is higher with increases in left atrial size and body weight. Furthermore, the greater the patient’s ventricular response rate, or ultimately heart rate, in atrial fibrillation, the worse the prognosis is known to be. As a result, pharmacologic heart rate control is a major goal of treatment in dogs with atrial fibrillation secondary to structural heart disease. Early detection of onset of atrial fibrillation, if possible, would reduce the amount of time during which a dog may be experiencing as-yet undetected rapid atrial fibrillation. Data in humans have determined that certain markers on surface electrocardiogram (ECG) and echocardiogram (ECHO) can be useful in predicting the onset of atrial fibrillation. So, Toaldo et al wanted to evaluate this in a study entitled "Echocardiographic predictors of first onset of atrial fibrillation in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease." The goal of this study was to evaluate the utility of several echocardiographically-derived indicators of left atrial and ventricular size and function in predicting onset of atrial fibrillation in dogs with MMVD.

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