Doberman Detects Baby’s Racing Heartbeat
In September, a baby boy’s life was saved after his dangerously fast heart rhythm was detected by the family’s pet Doberman, Saraya. Mother Kim Reynolds, 41, reported that she grew confused by her dog’s unusual needy behavior, as the animal refused to leave the infant’s side and cried whenever he was taken away. Reynolds rushed the child, Alexander, to Royal Bournemouth Hospital’s emergency department, where doctors discovered his heart was beating at 280 beats per minute. Two days later, medical professionals diagnosed the infant with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome.
Emergency Hospital Treatment and Diagnosis
Upon arrival at the emergency department, Reynolds initially feared she was wasting medical professionals’ time because the baby had stopped crying. Once doctors measured the infant’s heart rate at 280 beats per minute, emergency staff attempted to normalize the rhythm by submerging the baby’s head in a large bucket of cold water and ice for 10 seconds on two separate occasions. When the immersion failed to lower the heart rate, Reynolds requested intravenous medication. Three doses of the medication successfully brought the heart rate down, and the family was transferred by ambulance to Poole Hospital, where they stayed for two nights before receiving the Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome diagnosis.
Living With Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome
Reynolds described the diagnosed condition as an extra bit of tissue in the heart that allows electrical pulses to pass through improperly, preventing the child from naturally calming his heart rate. Alexander now takes the beta blocker propranolol three times a day administered through a syringe. According to Reynolds, the infant recognizes his need for the medication and drinks it hassle-free from the syringe.
Dog Alerts Family Again to Bacterial Tonsillitis
This month, Saraya began displaying altered behavior around Alexander again while he sat in his bouncer, licking his hands and watching Reynolds closely. Recalling the previous medical emergency, Reynolds checked the infant’s pulse and noticed his throat appeared red, prompting another visit to the emergency department where doctors diagnosed him with bacterial tonsillitis and prescribed penicillin. Reynolds stated that she 100% trusts the dog, noting that Saraya is not a trained or registered assistance dog.
Charity Support and Fundraising Efforts
Following the diagnosis, Reynolds’ sister Francine introduced the family to Tiny Tickers, a small charity dedicated to improving early detection and care for babies with serious heart conditions while supporting affected families. To raise money for the organization, Reynolds and her sister are participating in a 100-mile challenge in October. Reynolds noted that many health professionals she encountered after the diagnosis were unfamiliar with SVT, emphasizing the critical need for greater public awareness regarding infant heart conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome?
Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is a heart condition described by Reynolds as an extra bit of tissue in the heart, which means electrical pulses can get through where they shouldn’t, preventing the child from calming his heart rate.
How does Alexander manage his heart condition now?
Alexander takes the beta blocker medication propranolol three times a day. His mother administers the medication via a syringe, which he drinks from willingly.
What charity is the family supporting?
The family is supporting Tiny Tickers, a charity that works to improve the early detection and care of babies with serious heart conditions and supports their families. Reynolds and her sister are participating in a 100-mile challenge in October to raise funds for the organization.