Wednesday, August 6, 2008
LSU veterinary cardiologist performs the nation's second canine ICD implant
A 6-month-old German shepherd from Jackson, Mo., became the second dog to receive an implantable defibrillator. The puppy began anti-arrhythmic medication after being diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat. However, the medicines only slightly reduced the risk of sudden death, so the implantation of an internal cardioverter defibrillator, ICD, became his best chance of survival.
Implantable defibrillators are life-saving devices for many people who experience dangerously irregular heartbeats. The ICD continuously monitors the heart and corrects a potentially lethal heart rate with an electrical shock. Because of the complexities of implanting a device designed for humans and the cost involved with such a procedure, only one other pet has received an ICD.
After General's owners obtained the device from Medtronic (which makes the product for humans), LSU assistant professor of veterinary cardiology Romain Pariaut, DVM, performed the rare procedure. Due the many differences between dog and human anatomy, two attempts were mounted before the ICD began functioning properly.
On Aug. 2, General returned home with his owners. Doctors will continue to monitor and adjust the parameters of the ICD wirelessly from a specifically designed computer.
5K zoo run on Aug. 23
Sprint like a cheetah or crawl like a tortoise at the Club South's fourth-annual 5K at BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo at 8 a.m. Aug. 23. Mail-in and race day registration are available, and prizes will be awarded to the first male and female and in age group categories. Fees are $10 for Club South members; $12 for non-Club South members; and $17 registration on race day. A portion of the registration supports the zoo's conservation programs for threatened and endangered species. Call 775-3877 for details.
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