Overview

An arrhythmia is a heartbeat that is too fast, too slow or irregular. Some have little effect on daily life, while others may be associated with fainting or sudden death. We assess the type, frequency and clinical risk together.

Atrial fibrillation

Very rapid, irregular atrial activity. It can accompany advanced dilated cardiomyopathy or myxomatous mitral valve disease in large dogs.

Ventricular tachycardia

A series of abnormally fast beats originating in the ventricles. In some breeds, including Boxers and Dobermans, it may be associated with sudden death risk, making regular monitoring advisable.

Investigating fainting

Fainting (syncope) can have arrhythmic, neurological or metabolic causes, so distinguishing the cause is important. Holter monitoring records the ECGat the moment of an episode, providing objective evidence.

A dog relaxing at home
Everyday companionship · K / Pexels

Initial cardiac assessment

Assessment starts with history, examination and a short ECG. Depending on the episodes, auscultation, existing conditions and medication, we may select blood tests including electrolytes and thyroid hormone (T4), chest X-rays and Echocardiography. Rhythm abnormalities can also arise from noncardiac causes such as electrolyte imbalance or thyroid disease, so tests are individualized. Learn about each test in our Cardiac tests. Holter monitoring is considered when an intermittent arrhythmia may be missed by an in-clinic ECG.

What is Holter monitoring?

A Holter is a small wearable recorder that continuously records ECG during daily life. It can detect arrhythmias that may be missed during a short clinic ECG of about one to two minutes.

STEP 1

Fitting the device (10–20 minutes)

Patches are attached to the chest and your pet goes home wearing a small recorder.

STEP 2

Recording daily life (24 hours–14 days)

Please note unusual events such as fainting or panting in the activity diary.

STEP 3

Analysis and results consultation

We review the recording using dedicated software and discuss the next steps with you.

Treatment and management

Treatment depends on the type and frequency of arrhythmia and any concurrent conditions.

  • Significant arrhythmia without symptoms — management centered on regular monitoring
  • Risk of fainting or sudden death — antiarrhythmic medication
  • Concurrent structural heart disease — treatment of the underlying condition as well
  • Repeat Holter monitoring to assess medication response

FAQs

Can my pet live normally while wearing a Holter?
Yes. Keep routines as normal as possible, but avoid swimming and bathing. Record the time of any unusual behavior.
Can a Holter detect every arrhythmia?
Very infrequent arrhythmias may not occur during a 24-hour to 14-day recording. In that situation, we may consider longer-term options such as an event monitor or loop recorder.
How do fainting and seizures differ?
Fainting is usually brief, with a relatively quick return to normal. Seizures may involve drooling or stiff limbs and slower recovery. They can be difficult to distinguish in practice; a video of an episode is very helpful.
How much does it cost?
Holter monitoring costs KRW 440,000 through completion of the examination; it is not billed by the hour. See our published Fee schedule. We explain the final estimate and any additional items before testing and proceed with your agreement.

Read more about each condition

Detailed clinical information on arrhythmias and arterial thromboembolism as a complication.