This is a 9 year old Mix breed, Female spayed dog who presented for a wellness exam.  There are no abnormal clinical signs.  On physical exam an arrythmia was asuculted, but no murmur.  An ECG confirmed frequent VPC’s.  Mexilitine was intitiated.  The arrythmia completely resolved on Mexilitine.  An echo was performed to look for a primary cause of the VPC’s.  The echo was normal.  An abdominal ultrasound was recommended to screen for secondary causes of the VPC’s.  The large renal cyst was found on the US exam.

This is a 9 year old Mix breed, Female spayed dog who presented for a wellness exam.  There are no abnormal clinical signs.  On physical exam an arrythmia was asuculted, but no murmur.  An ECG confirmed frequent VPC’s.  Mexilitine was intitiated.  The arrythmia completely resolved on Mexilitine.  An echo was performed to look for a primary cause of the VPC’s.  The echo was normal.  An abdominal ultrasound was recommended to screen for secondary causes of the VPC’s.  The large renal cyst was found on the US exam.

Does anyone think the renal cyst could be the cause of the arrythmia or a coincidence?  Would you aspirate the contents? consider surgery?

This patient was aggressive and difficult and absoultely would require sedation for a sampling procedure.  The primary clinician was concerned about sedation due to the VPC’s that were present prior to Mexilitine therapy.

Thanks!