Possible intervertebral disc disease related to ventricular tachycardia in a Labrador Retriever

Abstract

Ventricular arrhythmia (VA) is a common arrhythmia in dogs. Several extracardiac causes such as pain may contribute this condition. This case report describes a 9-year-old neutered male Labrador Retriever with ventricular tachycardia (VT) potentially related to severe neck pain due to intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). The dog was referred with a sign of inability to walk, tachypnea and an irregular heartbeat. Electrocardiography confirmed VT at 160-200 bpm and an increased cardiac troponin I level (35.22 ng/ml). Despite antiarrhythmic treatment, the VT persisted. Cardiac evaluation revealed no structural abnormalities. Interestingly, VT episodes were provoked by cervical palpation and resolved following analgesic treatment. MRI revealed disc extrusion at C6–C7 with spinal cord compression. Surgical stabilization and pain management led to complete resolution of the arrhythmia. These findings suggest that severe cervical pain from IVDD may be associated with VA in this dog.