[BonBon]

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

Theoretically, she *could* have a normal ECG...if her dropped beats decided to not drop, at the time the ECG was performed. But, since they know she is/maybe dropping beats - they likely will not only do the ECG for a long-enough duration....but also, it would be kinda odd not to see something if the 'something' has been bad enough to cause her symptoms.

This is what 2nd Degree Type 1 would look like (A being the atria beating, V being ventricular):

A___V / A____V / A_____V / A______V / A_______V / A________(dropped V) -- see how the conduction time btwn A/V increases and increases and then the V just skips? That's Wenckebach.

This is what 2nd Degree Type 2 may look like:

A___V / A___V / A___ - / A___V / A___V / A___V / A___V / A___ - / -- (just random dropped V's)

And then in 3rd Degree....the A & V are just beating independently...which causes a very low rate for the V...and that's when a pacer is needed asap.

So, even with 'intermittent'....if it's there, it really should be caught on an ECG if it's happening.

That's good, then....I think. I just read an interesting article on canine arrhythmia that talked a little about testing and diagnosis. There is some sort of device that can be placed on the dog's body for 24 hours to monitor their heart rate and rythm. I don't know if this is something that will be recommended for Chelsea or not but it's nice to know that it exists.

I'm so sorry I haven't reply to all the wonderful posts on here. I'm feeling so overwhelmed and my brain can't seem to kick into gear. As soon as I can focus clearly, I'll try to respond to everyone and give the best answers I have.