Canine Sick Sinus Syndrome

Amara H. Estrada, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology), University of Florida

ArticleSeptember 20141 min read
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A grade 2/6 plateau-shaped systolic murmur (heard over the left apex), caused by mitral insufficiency, is auscultated in this heart sound.

A normal sinus rhythm is initially appreciated, followed by an abnormally prolonged pause. This pause is too long to be associated with a sinus arrhythmia and is consistent with a possible diagnosis of sick sinus syndrome in this patient.