Interesting topic -- although I didn't know this was prevalent enough for us to be concerned about.

 

Here are two articles that might be helpful -- they are from the web site of Sue Krom (Heartlight Dobermans) who is the person who arranges heart clinics for Dr. Nancy Morris, the cardiologist I use for echos. Dr. Morris has been very active with Dobes, and does several local Dobe clinics as well as one annually for the DPCA nationals.

 

The first article describes what an arrhythmia is is very simple terms.

 

The second article -- scroll down -- describes what is the difference between an echo and a holter, and what each of them measures and how to interpret. She recommends doing holters for Dobes every 6 months after age 4.

 

 

I will send Leita's original message on to Dr. Morris to see if she has any input. If anyone is having any cardiac testing done by Dr. Morris at the Sprinfield shows this weekend, you  might also ask. This two day cardiac clinic is sold out, so obviously there are a lot of breeders interested in this stuff -- for various breed-specific reasons.

 

Sandra Kretz

MARIAH