Estudo retrospectivo de 153 casos de colapso, sincope ou intolerância ao exercício não diagnosticados / A retrospective study of 153 cases of undiagnosed collapse, syncope or exercise intolerance

A retrospective study of 153 cases of undiagnosed collapse, syncope or exercise intolerance: the outcomes

1. L. Barnett¹, 
2. M. W. S. Martin², 
3. J. Todd³, 
4. S. Smith⁴, 
5. M. Cobb¹

Article first published online: 22 DEC 2010

DOI: 10.1111/j.1748-5827.2010.01013.x

© 2010 British Small Animal Veterinary Association

Issue

Journal of Small Animal Practice

Volume 52, Issue 1, pages 26–31, January 2011

Additional Information(Show All)

Objectives: To retrospectively assess the long-term outcome for dogs that were presented with collapse, syncope or exercise intolerance for which an underlying cause is not identified.

Methods: The clinical records of animals presenting to two practices were assessed. Dogs which presented for collapse, syncope or exercise intolerance at least 6 months previously and did not receive a definitive diagnosis despite investigation were included. Follow-up of these cases was carried out by conducting telephone interviews with the owners.

Results: One hundred and fifty-three cases were successfully followed up. Clinical signs had resolved in 64 cases (42%), 35 dogs (23%) were continuing to exhibit clinical signs, although 22 of these had improved without medical intervention. In 17 cases (11%), a diagnosis had subsequently been made or treatment was being administered and 37 dogs (24%) had died. Of the deaths, 18 (12%) were considered to be related to the original presentation. The overall prevalence of death and deterioration related to the problems investigated was 16·2% of cases. Death in boxers was significantly more common than in other breeds (36%).

Clinical Significance: Death and deterioration are uncommon outcomes for dogs other than boxers presenting with collapse, syncope and exercise intolerance for which a definitive diagnosis cannot be made.