The Life of a Canine After Pacemaker Implantation

If your dog has a dangerously low heart rate -- typically caused by patent ductus arteriosus, third-degree atrioventricular block or sick sinus syndrome -- or has exercise intolerance leading to weakness or fainting during moderate activity, a pacemaker can be a lifesaver. A pacemaker is roughly the size of a dollar coin, implanted underneath the loose fur on the shoulder. The device is connected to the heart with two or more wires via which it assists the heart with its normal function.

  1. Immediate After Care

    • Your dog must refrain from strenuous activity for approximately 30 days after pacemaker implantation. This is to ensure that the wires connected to the pacemaker do not come loose. The incision will be covered by a bandage that's typically left on for 30 days. Once the incision wound has healed, your dog can resume his normal routine.

    Monitoring

    • In the month or so after implantation, you should visually monitor your dog for signs of weakness and lethargy. If your dog appears weak or lethargic, alert the veterinarian as soon as possible. You will need to take your dog for a magnetic resonance imaging scan or MRI scan. This scan enables a veterinarian to ensure that the pacemaker is helping the heart beat at a healthy level. The first scan will be one month after the implantation, and followup scans will take place every six months thereafter.

    Lifestyle Adjustments

    • Pacemaker implantation is designed to enable a dog with a heart condition causing lower than normal heart rhythm to enjoy the quality of life he would enjoy if he was healthy. Therefore there are no major lifestyle adjustments associated with pacemaker implantation. But since a pacemaker is typically fitted near to the neck, you should use a harness when walking your pet, rather than a leash, to reduce pressure on the pacemaker. If the pacemaker was fitted due to a condition related to obesity, your vet may advise you to feed a low-calorie diet and to gradually implement an exercise regimen.

    Life Expectancy

    • Assuming a healthy, disease-free lifestyle after pacemaker implantation, your dog should reach an age typically associated with his breed. In cases where a pacemaker is fitted in response to a condition that would otherwise become fatal, such as cancer, a pacemaker can extend the life of the dog but not typically to the breed's full life expectancy.

    Activity Levels

    • Provided your dog has a healthy lifestyle and diet after the pacemaker is fitted, it is perfectly safe for the dog to perform all activities that you̵7;d expect of a healthy dog. Running, jumping, digging and chasing are all fine. In fact, regular exercise is important for dogs in order to maintain a healthy weight.