Kim Reynolds and Dog Saraya Detect Alexander’s Heart Rate
A six-month-old infant in Somerset, England, was diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome after his family dog’s unusual behavior prompted an emergency hospital visit. Kim Reynolds, a 41-year-old first-time mother from Shepton Mallet, noticed in September that her pet Doberman, Saraya, was repeatedly crying and refusing to leave her son Alexander alone. Saraya acted unusually “needy” and cried every time the baby was moved away from her that morning.
Reynolds initially did not understand the animal’s distress. Later that day, Alexander began showing signs of illness, prompting Reynolds to take him to the emergency department at Royal Bournemouth Hospital. By the time they reached the facility, the infant had stopped crying, leaving the mother wondering if the visit was necessary. Medical staff examined the child and found his heart beating at a dangerously fast rate of 280 beats per minute.
Royal Bournemouth Hospital Emergency Treatment and Diagnosis
Medical staff attempted to lower Alexander’s heart rate by placing his head in a container of icy water for about 10 seconds, a procedure that was performed twice and caused the baby to scream. When the cold water method failed to bring down the pulse, Reynolds requested medication. Doctors administered three intravenous doses of medicine, which successfully lowered the heart rate. The infant was then transferred by ambulance to Poole Hospital for two nights of observation, where doctors diagnosed him with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome two days after the initial emergency visit.
Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is a condition that affects the electrical signals controlling the heartbeat. This extra pathway can trigger episodes of abnormally fast heartbeats known as supraventricular tachycardia, or SVT. Reynolds describes the condition as an extra bit of tissue in his heart, which basically means electrical pulses can get through where they shouldn’t. Alexander was prescribed the beta-blocker propranolol, which Reynolds now administers three times daily through a syringe.
Second Canine Alert Leads to Tonsillitis Diagnosis
Saraya’s behavior raised concerns for a second time when Alexander was sitting in his bouncer. The Doberman stayed close, licked the baby’s hands, and repeatedly looked toward Reynolds. Remembering the previous emergency, Reynolds checked her son’s pulse and noticed his throat appeared red. She took him back to the hospital, where physicians diagnosed him with bacterial tonsillitis rather than another SVT episode, prescribing penicillin for the infection.
Reynolds stated that Saraya is not a trained or registered assistance dog, yet she trusts the animal completely. Reynolds’ sister, Francine, introduced her to the charity Tiny Tickers, which supports families and improves early detection of infant heart conditions. To support the organization, Reynolds and her sister planned to participate in a 100-mile challenge in October.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alexander’s Condition
What is Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome?
Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is a condition that affects the electrical signals controlling the heartbeat, which can cause episodes of extremely fast heart rates.
How is Alexander’s heart rate currently managed?
Alexander receives the beta-blocker propranolol three times daily to help control his heart rate. He takes the medication easily from a syringe without resistance.
What medical issue did the dog’s second warning uncover?
When Saraya began acting obsessively around Alexander’s bouncer, Reynolds checked his pulse and observed a red throat. Hospital doctors diagnosed the baby with bacterial tonsillitis and prescribed penicillin.