Feline Complete Atrioventricular Block: Vet Guide 2025 🐱❤️⌛️

Hello caring cat parents! I’m Dr Duncan Houston BVSc 🩺. Today, we’re discussing a serious but manageable condition—complete (third‑degree) atrioventricular (AV) block—where the atria and ventricles beat independently. We’ll dive into causes, symptoms, ECG diagnostics, pacemaker therapy, prognosis, and home care with compassion and clarity. 😊

🔍 What Is Complete AV Block?

Complete AV block is a heart rhythm disorder where no electrical signals pass from the atria to the ventricles. The ventricles rely on a slow escape rhythm (~80–140 bpm) :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}, while the atria continue at their own natural pace—resulting in total AV dissociation. ❤️⌛️

🧬 Causes & Risk Factors

• Age-related degeneration or fibrosis of the AV node :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
• Inflammation or infections—myocarditis, endocarditis :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
• Underlying cardiomyopathies—HCM or DCM :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
• Toxins or medications affecting conduction (e.g. digoxin) :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
• Congenital or idiopathic AV node defects :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.

👂 Symptoms to Watch For

• Often asymptomatic—incidental discovery :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
• When present: weakness, collapse, fainting (syncope), labored breathing :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
• Signs of congestive heart failure in some cats :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.

🔬 How It’s Diagnosed

• Physical exam: slow, regular heart rate; “drop” pulses.
• ECG: reveals P waves without QRS connection; ventricular escape rhythm :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
• Chest X-rays & echo: check for heart enlargement or structural disease :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
• Blood tests: screen for underlying causes (thyroid, toxins, infection).

🏥 Treatment: Pacemaker Is Key

In cats, complete AV block often doesn’t demand treatment—unless signs or anesthesia requires intervention :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}. However:

• Pacemaker implantation is the gold standard when cats are symptomatic, collapse, or have CHF—typically epicardial lead systems :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.
• Cats can survive >1 year post-block, even without pacemakers, but pacing improves quality and safety during procedures :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.
• Medical management (atropine, theophylline, terbutaline) may be temporary options if pacing isn’t possible :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.

📈 Prognosis & Monitoring

• Cats often live months to years post-diagnosis; one study showed >1 year median survival in 13/21 cats :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.
• Paced cats have better quality of life and fewer collapse episodes :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}.
• Regular follow-up: every 3–6 months—exam, ECG, device check.
  Monitor for CHF signs: cough, fatigue, breathing trouble.

🏡 Home Care & Support

• Create a stress-free environment with cozy bedding from **Woopf & Purrz** 🛏️.
• Use **Ask A Vet app** 📱 for medication reminders and direct vet support.
• Provide regular, gentle exercise and monitor breathing.
• Watch for collapse, fainting, weakness—seek vet care immediately.
• Maintain routine checkups and device evaluations if paced.

📝 Key Takeaways

• Complete AV block causes independent atrial/ventricular rhythms; escape rhythm keeps heart beating.
• Many cats show no symptoms—but collapse or CHF may occur.
• Diagnosis relies on ECG; pacemakers are lifesaving when symptomatic.
• Cats can live well long-term, especially with pacing.
• Home support tools (Ask A Vet, Woopf, Purrz) help maintain wellbeing.

📞 When to Contact Ask A Vet

If your cat ever collapses, breathes heavily, is weak or fainting—or needs anesthesia—reach out immediately via the Ask A Vet app 💬. Fast action and proper pacing can be lifesaving!

✨ Final Thoughts

Complete AV block in cats, while serious, can often be managed—especially when pacemaker therapy and supportive care align. With modern monitoring, loving home environments, and tools like Ask A Vet, Woopf & Purrz by your side, your kitty can enjoy a fulfilled life ❤️🐾.