Q: I adopted a pit bull who had lost one ear in the fighting ring, so I named him van Gogh. He is a healthy, sweet, gentle guy who loves to snuggle. When we lie on the couch watching television and my arm drapes across his chest, I sometimes notice that his heart beats in an unsteady rhythm.
It beats fast for a few seconds, then slowly for a few seconds, and then the cycle repeats. I am concerned that van Gogh may have heart disease because he is relaxed and unstressed when I feel this irregular heart rhythm. Should I take him to his veterinarian or a veterinary cardiologist?