What is an ECG?
An ECG, also called an EKG, is an acronym for electrocardiogram. It is a test used to monitor your pet's heart. Little sensors attached to the skin monitor electrical activity to represent what the heart is doing. This is a non-invasive way of observing the heart in pets.
What does an ECG tell your veterinarian about your pet?
An ECG tells your vet several things about your pet's heart. It gives the rate and rhythm of the heartbeat and explains the electrical impulses that are going through each section of the heart.
A typical ECG consists of a pattern: a small bump that rises up, called the P-wave, then a large spike upward, called the QRS complex, and then another small bump, called the T-wave.
The P-wave represents the atria contracting. The QRS complex is when the ventricles depolarize, or the large contraction of the heart that is the typical 'heartbeat'. The T-wave represents the heart repolarizing.
Your vet will ensure the wave's shape is correct and measure the distance between its various parts. Often, the concerns are the information provided by the P-wave and the QRS complex interval. These tell how fast the heart is taking in blood and pumping it.
The next major source of information is the peaks of the QRS complex and the distance between them. Your pet has a regular heartbeat if the distance between the spikes is constant. If it varies, they have an irregular heartbeat.
What are normal cat and dog ECGs?
The normal rhythm for a canine ECG should be 60 to 170 beats per minute. The normal rhythm of a feline ECG should be 140 to 220 beats per minute.
Are ECGs safe?
Yes, ECG tests are safe. ECG is a non-invasive diagnostic test that passively monitors the heart.
When would a vet use an ECG?
Some examples of when a vet may order an ECG are:
Abnormal Cardiovascular Rhythm
Cardiac murmurs, gallop sounds, and arrhythmias are some obvious abnormalities that may necessitate an ECG. These can often indicate diastolic dysfunction.
ECGs can also be used for intracardiac or extracardiac disease, as they help rule out primary cardiomyopathy and/or infiltrative cardiac disease. The ECG also helps determine appropriate anti-arrhythmic therapy for the individual patient.
Breed Screening
Many breeds of dogs and cats have a heritable predisposition for heart disease. Dog breeds include the Doberman Pinscher, the Great Dane, the Boxer, and the Cocker Spaniel, to name a few. Cat breeds include the Maine Coon, the Persian, the Ragdoll, and some American Shorthairs
Thoracic Radiographic Changes
Cardiomegaly noted on radiographs can be due to cardiac enlargement, pericardial fat accumulation, and/or patient variability. An ECG is the most specific tool for determining each cardiac chamber's size and is very important in determining a cause for radiographic cardiomegaly.
Feline Echocardiography
Cats can be particularly challenging for cardiology patients because they can have severe cardiomyopathy or other heart diseases despite having no clinical signs. An ECG is often the only appropriate diagnostic test that is both specific and sensitive for cats.
Purebred cats have a higher incidence of heart disease. Therefore, an ECG evaluation is often recommended to confirm the presence of heart disease and determine the patient's therapeutic needs.
How much is an ECG for a dog or cat?
It's always best to contact your vet directly if you're curious about the cost. They should be able to provide you with an accurate estimate.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.