Has your veterinarian recommended an ECG for your four-legged friend? If so, you may be wondering why and what information the results of this test provide. Here, our Westminster vets discuss this useful diagnostic tool.
ECG for Pets
First, let's start by explaining what an ECG is. A dog or cat ECG, or as it is sometimes called an EKG, stands for electrocardiogram. This device records the electrical signals of your pet's heart via little sensors that will be attached to your pet's skin. ECG is a non-invasive way of observing the heart in pets and people.
How ECG Can Be Helpful
An ECG can tell your vet a number of things about your pet's heart. It gives the rate and the rhythm of the heartbeat along with an understanding of the electrical impulses that are going through each section of the heart.
A typical ECG will consist of a pattern where it will be 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 where the ventricles depolarize (The large contraction of the heart that is the typical heartbeat). And The T wave in the ventricles is repolarizing.
The important data your vet will be looking for is that the shape of the wave is correct and the distance between the various parts of the wave. Often the concerns are the information provided by the PR interval and the QRS complex interval. These tell how fast the heart is taking in blood and how fast it is pumping it.
The next major information is to look at the peaks of the QRS complex (the big spike) and measure the distance between them. If they are a constant distance between the spikes you have a regular heartbeat (normal dog or cat ECG) if the distance between spikes varies your pet has an irregular heartbeat.
Last but not least you can read how many QRS complexes there are and calculate how many there are over a time interval and you will have the heart rate.
When an ECG is done, you can see that the rate and rhythm of cats and dogs can vary between pets. So, what is a normal dog ECG or cat ECG? Your veterinarian will provide you with the expected values for your specific dog or cat based on their species, breed and age.
ECG & Your Pet's Safety
ECG tests are considered very safe for pets. ECG is a non-invasive diagnostic test that passively monitors the heart.
What Veterinary ECG Can Be Used For
ECG is an extremely useful diagnostic tool when trying to determine the underlying cause of a pet's symptoms. Some examples of when your vet may recommend an ECG test for your dog or cat are:
Abnormal Cardiovascular Physical Exam
Cardiac murmurs, gallop sounds, and arrhythmias are just a few of the possible symptoms that may call for an echocardiogram. These symptoms can frequently be an indication of diastolic dysfunction in dogs and cats, and an echocardiogram is typically recommended. The intracardiac or extracardiac disease can cause arrhythmias. An echocardiogram can help rule out primary cardiomyopathy and/or infiltrative cardiac disease, which could be the cause of the arrhythmia. The echocardiogram also aids in determining the best anti-arrhythmic therapy for each patient.
Breed Screening
Many dogs and cat breeds are genetically predisposed to heart disease. A thorough examination is sometimes recommended to rule out the presence of a murmur. If a murmur is detected, an echocardiogram is generally recommended for a more detailed evaluation. In breeds that are particularly at risk for heart disease, an echocardiogram is recommended to screen for problems.
Enlarged Heart
ECG can be a very helpful tool for determining the size of each cardiac chamber and determining the cause of radiographic cardiomegaly (heart enlargement detected through an X-ray). The echocardiogram is highly specific and sensitive for detecting clear signs of congestive heart failure and pulmonary hypertension.
Feline Echocardiography
Cats are particularly difficult as cardiology patients to treat because they can have severe cardiomyopathy despite the absence of clear symptoms. In many cases, an ECG is the only diagnostic test that is both specific and sensitive for detecting heart disease in cats. Because purebred cats have a higher incidence of heart disease, ECG evaluation can be very helpful with these patients.
Pre-Anesthetic Evaluation
Before placing a dog or cat under anesthesia, it can be helpful to obtain a complete understanding of the patient’s cardiovascular status. ECG testing can be very helpful and help to reduce the risk of pets suffering from complications due to anesthetic..
Cost of ECG for Pets
We understand that budget is a concern for many people. So, how much is an ecg for a dog or cat?
The cost of your pet's ECG will depend on a variety of factors ranging from the size of your pet to where your veterinarian is located. Since veterinary ECG testing varies so widely in price across North America, the only way to get an accurate estimate of the cost of your pet's ECG is to speak to your veterinary hospital to request an estimate.
Most veterinary clinics are happy to provide clients with a breakdown of fees related to any service they provide, and your team of veterinary professionals will be able to answer any questions you may have about your pet's health or any testing that has been recommended.
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.