Doberman Saraya Detects Baby Alexander’s Racing Heart
A six-month-old infant’s life was saved when his family’s Doberman detected a dangerously fast heart rhythm and alerted his mother. In a first-person account published by Talker, mother Kim Reynolds described how her pet, Saraya, exhibited unusual and obsessive behavior by refusing to leave the baby’s side and crying whenever he was moved.
Reynolds, a 41-year-old first-time mother and former canine hydro-therapist living in Shepton Mallet, Somerset, stated that she initially felt confused by the dog’s needy demeanor. The animal’s persistent distress prompted Reynolds to check on the infant, Alexander, who subsequently appeared upset and unwell.
Emergency Treatment at Royal Bournemouth Hospital
Reynolds rushed Alexander to the emergency department at Royal Bournemouth Hospital, where medical staff discovered the infant’s heart was beating at a rate of 280 beats per minute. To lower the dangerously fast rhythm, doctors submerged the infant’s head in a large bucket filled with cold water and ice for 10 seconds on two separate occasions.
Because the cold-water immersion failed to reduce the heart rate, doctors administered three intravenous doses of medication. The treatment successfully lowered the infant’s heart rate, and an ambulance transferred the family to Poole Hospital for further evaluation and a two-night stay.
Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome Diagnosis
Doctors at Poole Hospital diagnosed Alexander with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. Reynolds described the condition as an extra piece of tissue in the heart that allows electrical pulses to travel through where they shouldn’t, preventing the infant from naturally calming his heart rate.
Alexander now takes the beta blocker propranolol three times a day using a syringe. Reynolds noted that the infant readily drinks the medication himself without resistance.
Repeated Warnings for Bacterial Tonsillitis
Months after the initial cardiac incident, Saraya resumed her protective behavior while Alexander sat in a bouncer, licking his hands and watching the mother closely. Prompted by the dog’s renewed alertness, Reynolds checked her son’s pulse and noticed his throat appeared red.
Reynolds took Alexander back to the emergency room, where physicians diagnosed him with bacterial tonsillitis and prescribed a course of penicillin. Reynolds stated that she completely trusts Saraya, noting that although the dog is not a trained or registered assistance dog, she intends to keep her close to Alexander whenever possible.
Reynolds Partners with Tiny Tickers to Raise Awareness
Reynolds connected with the small charity Tiny Tickers through her sister, Francine. The organization works to improve early detection and care for babies with serious heart conditions while supporting affected families. To raise awareness and funds, Reynolds and her sister planned to participate in a 100-mile challenge in October.
Reynolds noted that health professionals she consulted shortly after the hospital discharge were unfamiliar with SVT, emphasizing the need for greater public awareness. She stated that the condition was not detected at birth or during previous routine hospital visits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific medical condition was Alexander diagnosed with?
Doctors diagnosed Alexander with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, which involves an extra piece of tissue in the heart that permits electrical pulses to pass through where they shouldn’t.
How do doctors treat Alexander’s condition day-to-day?
Alexander takes the beta blocker propranolol three times a day administered through a syringe, which he drinks without assistance.
Which charity is the family partnering with to raise awareness?
Reynolds and her sister are supporting Tiny Tickers, a charity focused on improving early detection and care for babies with serious heart conditions.
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