Long QT Syndrome

Signs include sudden collapse, seizures, and sometimes death

First signs of this disease are often in adulthood.

Genetic testing and ECG monitoring can be used to diagnose this disease.

Fortunately, there are medications that can be given to affected dogs to help control the electrical pace of the heart.

Talk to your vet about your dog’s Long QT syndrome result so you can plan regular monitoring and care.

Schedule routine cardiac screenings, such as ECGs or echocardiograms, to track heart rhythm and function over time.

Avoid overly strenuous exercise or excitement, as these can sometimes trigger fainting episodes.

With ongoing monitoring and a calm, consistent routine, many dogs with Long QT syndrome can live comfortably.

In the English Springer Spaniel, LQTS has been mapped to a mutation in the KCNQ1 gene.

Penetrance: All affected dogs were heterozygous (had only one copy) of the mutation.

Gene

KCNQ1

Inheritance type

dominant

Clinical category

Cardiac

Citations

1. Ware et al 2015

• English Springer Spaniel