Bradycardia-Associated Episodic Weakness, Syncope, and Aborted Sudden Death in Cardiomyopathic Doberman Pinschers

Paradoxical sinus bradycardia and cardiac asystole resulted in episodic weakness, syncope, or aborted sudden cardiac death during exertion in 8 cardiomyopathic Doberman Pinschers. Bradycardias persisted for 1 to 2 minutes in 5 of 8 dogs, and were often followed by sinus tachycardia. Syncope was prolonged on multiple occasions in 5 dogs, and was accompanied by white, then cyanotic mucous membranes, mydriasis, and apparent sudden death. J Vet Intern Med 1996; 10:88–93. Copyright © 1996 by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine .