Objective: To describe the successful management of ventricular fibrillation (VF) and ventricular tachycardia (VT) using cardiopulmonary resuscitation, including defibrillation, followed by continuous rate infusion of IV amiodarone, in a cat with cardiac arrest secondary to tachyarrhythmia. Case...

Amiodarone can be used for treatment of ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmias in canine medicine, but its exact role in feline electrocardiography and its side effects have not been proven. The aim of this study was the evaluation of amiodarone and its different dosages' effects on intact...

Purpose: To compare the effects of laser and/or L-carnitine (LC) on amiodarone (AM)-induced lung toxicity in adult male rats. Methods: Lung toxicity was induced in 50 healthy male albino rats (150-180 g) by AM for 8 weeks. The rats were divided into 4 groups (7 per group): AM recovery, LC, laser,...

This article discusses the adverse effects; pharmacology; pharmacodynamics; indications; contraindications; and toxicity of an antiarrhythmic agent in dogs and cats. Adverse effects and toxicity associated with prolonged administration of amiodarone in dogs are highlighted.

Amiodarone is an antiarrhythmic drug commonly used in veterinary and human medicine. In humans, a few cases have been described of various degrees of liver pathology in the course of amiodarone treatment. Until now only benign hepatic disturbances have been described in dogs. The authors observed...

Early recognition of a cardio-pulmonary arrest (CPA) is crucial for patient survival. Every non-breathing and non-responsive patient should be considered to have CPA, and examination of the vital signs should last no longer than 5-10 seconds. If in doubt, effective chest compressions should be...

This article presents the warning signs of cardiopulmonary arrest, phases of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, routes of administering therapies and most common drugs used in cardiopulmonary arrest therapy. Focus is given on intravenous fluids, oxygen, epinephrine and norepinephrine, atropine,...

A case of a dog with symptoms of weakness and cough caused by very rapid atrial tachycardia (270 bpm) was presented. Electrocardiography showed P wave preceded, narrow QRS complex incessant tachycardia. Echocardiography showed enlargement of both atria and ventricles. Tachycardia-induced...

In December 2005, the American Heart Association published new guidelines for cardiopulmonary cerebral resuscitation (CPCR) in humans for the 1st time in 5 years. Many of the recommendations are based on research conducted in animal species and may be applicable to small animal veterinary patients. ...