Sick Sinus Syndrome. Have you ever heard of it? That is the diagnosis we got concerning our much loved schnauzer.
For the past month or so, Raider has been slipping and falling caused by what we thought was due to his advancing years and weak legs. We took him to the veterinarian and it turns out to be Sick Sinus Syndrome, which Schnauzers are predisposed.
What is sick sinus syndrome?
The sinus node, which is part of the electrical system that signals the heart to beat doesn’t consistently discharge an electrical impulse to trigger the heart to contract, resulting in a long pause between heartbeats.
The heart stops beating causing our schnauzer to pass out until an electrical impulse from another part of the heart triggers a rescue beat preventing complete arrest. He has very low heart rate that remained unchanged even with a shot of atropine confirming, along with an ECG the diagnosis.
The only treatment, as with humans, is a pacemaker, so instead we will hope his condition progresses slowly. I really am surprised by the diagnosis as I thought for sure we would have a few more good years ahead with this sweet pup. He will be 13 years old in May.
Some days Raider doesn’t have any episodes and other days, he will have two or three. Fortunately he has no pain. There are moments he is spry and spunky and other times he seems clingy and uncertain. aww, little buddy, I sure do love you.
UPDATE six weeks after sick sinus syndrome diagnosis
Friday night we made a hard decision. As Raider’s Sick Sinus Syndrome had progressed, he began having labored, rapid breathing and became tuckered out even with little exertion. On Thursday, he laid on me and I rocked him, silently thinking in my heart that he would just stop breathing and his heart would cease beating and he would die peacefully.
We talked with the veterinarian and learned that his breathing difficulties would not be peaceful and left it that we would contact her Sunday morning. As we were getting ready for bed Friday night, it was apparent he was in distress and prolonging his life made no sense so we left for a final car ride just as we did 14 years ago with our dog, Scotty.
We returned home with an empty collar and a sweet paw print that was made for us by the veterinarian staff and a heart full of memories of my sweet boy.
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I'm catching up with a few posts that seem to have 'slipped' by when I wasn't looking! I'm so sad for you that your sweet pup is dealing with this. I'm sure Raider isn't enjoying these episodes but I know he's happy to be with you. Sending hugs and knowing that you will make the most of every day with him.
~Adrienne~
Oh, poor Raider. I've never heard of this syndrome. I hope he has more good days than bad.
He is so cute. I am sorry to hear about his condition. I have never heard of this syndrome. He lived a full live with adventures. May he continue to have more adventures making memories with (and for) you…
It is also my hope that Raider's condition will allow him to have quality of life as long as he possibly can. Our pets are such an important part of our families.
Bless his heart! It's so difficult when our fur babies are sick. I'm sure he must feel stressed and confused with these episodes. My boy has allergy problems and I feel so bad for him. Raider is absolutely beautiful or maybe I should say handsome! 🙂 I hope he does well.
xo
Pat
It is always so upsetting when our for babies are ill. I'll be praying for Raider and all of you!
Hugs, Noreen
Aw, poor Raider. What a scary experience for both of you. Thoughts and prayers for him
My thoughts are with you. He is so sweet!