Small Animal Surgery Resident Oregon State University Albany, Oregon
Epicardial Pacemaker Implantation and Outcome in Eight Ferrets. Alvarez-Sanchez A1, Townsend K1, LeBlanc N1, Milovancev M1, Scollan K1, Heatley J2, Saunders A2, Gordon S2, Pesce K3, Swift S4, Brenner E4, Thomason J5, Eshar D5. 1Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR; 2Texas A&M University, College Station, TX; 3Red Bank Veterinary Hospital, Tinton Falls, NJ; 4University of Florida, Gainesville, FL; 5Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
Minimal information exists regarding epicardial pacemaker (EP) implantation in ferrets with advanced atrioventricular blocks (AVB). Our study objective was to document the indications, surgical technique, and outcome of eight ferrets undergoing EP implantation. Eight client-owned ferrets presenting to five veterinary referral centers were recruited. Signalment, physical exam findings, diagnostic tests, anesthesia protocols, surgical implantation techniques, intra- and postoperative complications, postoperative treatment plans, and EP interrogations were reviewed. Descriptive statistics were performed to report complication rates and survival. All ferrets had advanced AVB: 3/8 had high-grade second-degree and 5/8 had third-degree. The primary clinical signs were syncope and weakness. Seven EP were implanted via a transdiaphragmatic approach and one via a left intercostal thoracotomy. Intraoperative complications occurred in 3/8 and were not associated with EP implantation. One ferret with severe comorbidities died during general anesthesia. Postoperative pacemaker-related complications were inappropriate sinus beat sensing in 2/8 and occasional muscle fasciculations in 1/8. Two ferrets were alive at nine and 20 months postoperatively. Median (range) survival time for the remaining five ferrets was 24 (2–24) months. Epicardial pacemaker implantation was performed successfully in most ferrets for advanced AVB, was well tolerated, alleviated presenting complaints postoperatively, and likely prolonged survival. The primary study limitations are associated with its retrospective nature, small sample size, and lack of standardization of treatment protocols, surgical approach, and EP settings. Successful EP placement can be performed in ferrets with advanced AVB and can resolve cardiac disease-related signs.