Implantable loop recorders: a viable diagnostic tool in veterinary medicine

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether implantable loop recorders could be used in the diagnosis of unexplained collapse in dogs. METHODS: The medical records of six dogs presented to the University of Liverpool Small Animal Teaching Hospital between May 2003 and October 2006 for further evaluation of intermittent syncopal episodes, collapse or episodic weakness, were reviewed. All these dogs underwent standard investigations and had implantable loop recorders placed. RESULTS: A provisional diagnosis of supraventricular tachycardia was made in one dog, and diagnoses of exclusion of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy and idiopathic epilepsy was made in two dogs. One dog suffered no further syncopal episodes, a diagnosis was not reached in another dog and the final dog was lost to follow-up. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The implantable loop recorder can be used successfully for the diagnosis of unexplained collapse in dogs.