A mother says her Doberman kept crying and refusing to leave her six-month-old son; doctors later found the baby’s heart was racing at 280 beats per minute and diagnosed a rare electrical condition

Doberman’s behaviour has raised concerns about Alexander’s health twice. (Photo: Youtube/SWNS)

A pet Doberman’s unusual behaviour around a six-month-old baby in England led his mother to seek medical help, after which doctors discovered that the child had a dangerously fast heartbeat of 280 beats per minute. The incident happened in September when Kim Reynolds, 41, from Shepton Mallet in Somerset, noticed that her dog, Saraya, was repeatedly crying and refusing to leave her son Alexander alone, SWNS reported. Doctors later diagnosed the baby with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, a condition that affects the electrical signals controlling the heartbeat.Kim, a first-time mother and former canine hydrotherapist, was familiar with dogs but had never seen Saraya behave this way around Alexander. The Doberman appeared unusually concerned about the baby and became upset whenever he was moved away from her. At first, Kim could not understand what was troubling the animal.Later that day, Alexander began showing signs of illness, so she took him to the emergency department at Royal Bournemouth Hospital.By the time they reached the hospital, Alexander had stopped crying. Kim wondered whether the visit had been necessary. However, when doctors examined him, they found that his heart was beating at 280 beats per minute and the baby needed immediate treatment to bring his heart rhythm under control.

Baby’s heartbeat remains high

Doctors first attempted to slow Alexander’s heartbeat using cold water and ice. Kim recalled that medical staff placed her son in a container of icy water as part of the procedure. She found the experience distressing, particularly when she heard him scream.The treatment was attempted twice, but Alexander’s heartbeat remained unusually fast. According to Kim’s account, his head was submerged for around 10 seconds during the procedure. When the attempts failed, he was returned to her lap.Kim then asked whether doctors could use medication instead. Alexander was given medicine intravenously, and his heart rate eventually came down after three doses.Once his condition had been stabilised, he was taken by ambulance to Poole Hospital for further care. Kim remained in hospital with her son for two nights while doctors investigated what had caused his heartbeat to become so fast.Two days after the first emergency visit, Alexander was diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome.

What causes Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome?

According to MedBound Times, Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, also called WPW syndrome, is a congenital heart condition that involves an extra electrical connection between the heart’s upper and lower chambers.Normally, electrical signals travel through the heart along a controlled pathway, helping maintain a regular heartbeat. In people with WPW syndrome, the additional connection can allow signals to travel differently, sometimes triggering episodes in which the heart beats much faster than normal.These episodes can involve supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), a condition in which the heartbeat becomes abnormally fast. In young children, warning signs can include breathing difficulties, pale skin, irritability and restlessness.Doctors commonly use an electrocardiogram, or ECG, to identify WPW syndrome. The test records the heart’s electrical activity. Other investigations, including heart monitoring and an echocardiogram, may also be recommended depending on the patient’s symptoms.Alexander now receives propranolol, a beta-blocker used to help control his heart rate. Kim gives him the medicine three times daily through a syringe. She says he has become comfortable taking it and does not resist the treatment.

Dog’s behaviour raises concern again

The September hospital visit was not the only occasion when Saraya’s actions made Kim worry about Alexander’s health.Later that month, the baby was sitting in his bouncer when the Doberman began behaving unusually again. Saraya stayed close to him, licked his hands and repeatedly looked towards Kim.Remembering what had happened earlier, Kim immediately wondered whether Alexander was experiencing another episode of SVT. She checked his pulse but also noticed that his throat looked red.Kim decided to take him to hospital again. This time, doctors found that he had bacterial tonsillitis rather than another reported episode of his heart condition. Alexander was prescribed penicillin.Saraya has not received specialist training to identify medical conditions and is not registered as an assistance dog. Nevertheless, Kim says the two incidents have made her pay close attention whenever the Doberman behaves differently around her son.