Ventricular Arrhythmias (IVA)

Ventricular arrhythmia is a canine disorder with for now unknown inheritance, described in young dogs of the breed Rhodesian Ridgeback. It is described by cardiac ventricular arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death in the absence of cardiac hypertrophy, myocardial dysfunction, abnormal cardiac histologic findings and other structural cardiac changes. Recent reports suggest that the development of these arrhythmias may be associated with dysfunctional mitochondrial respiration and decreased ATP synthesis and its impact on cardiovascular development. The first symptoms of ventricular arrhythmia in affected dogs occur from 7 to 12 months of age and in some cases result in sudden death. Only about 60% of homozygous or heterozygous affected dogs develop symptoms till 30 months of age all other dogs appear to outgrow the problem.

Inheritance: unknown

Mutation: QIL1 gene

Genetic test: The method used for genetic testing is extremely accurate and allows complete differentiation between affected animals, carriers and healthy dogs. DNA testing can be done at any age.