Diagnostic testing is used to provide valuable insight into the internal functions of your furry friend. Here, our Williamsburg vets discuss the technique used to diagnose heart conditions in pets and what a normal dog or cat ECG looks like.
What is an ECG?
When we say ECG, we are referring to an electrocardiogram or EKG. This diagnostic test will monitor your pet's heart and diagnose potential concerns. This is done with little sensors attached to the skin to monitor electrical activity to represent what the heart is doing.
This non-invasive test allows your veterinarian to check for issues safely while keeping your pet comfortable.
What does an ECG show us about your pet?
By performing an ECG, your vet will be able to note many different things about the health of your pet's heart. The main thing an ECG shows is the heart rate and rhythm. It also gives them an understanding of the electrical impulses going through each section of the heart.
A typical ECG consists of a pattern: a small bump that rises, called the P-wave, then a large spike upward, called the QRS complex, and the next smaller bump, called the T-wave.
The P-wave represents the atria contracting. The QRS complex occurs when the ventricles depolarize, or the heart has a large contraction. This is the typical 'heartbeat.' The appearance of the T-wave shows that the heart is repolarizing.
Your vet will ensure the wave's shape is correct and measure the distance between its 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. For a regular heartbeat, the distance between the spikes will be identical. If the spikes are more frequent, infrequent or identical, your pet will have an irregular heartbeat.
What is a normal cat or dog ECG?
Each animal will have a normal heart rate, which varies among species. The normal heart rates for dogs and cats are as follows:
Normal Dog ECG: The normal rhythm on a canine ECG is typically 60 to 170 beats per minute.
Normal Cat ECG: The normal rhythm on a feline ECG should be 140 to 220 beats per minute.
Are ECGs considered safe for pets?
Yes, feline and canine ECG tests are safe. ECG is a non-invasive diagnostic test that passively monitors the heart.
When are ECGs needed?
There are many different situations when your vet may recommend an ECG at our animal laboratory in Williamsburg. Here are some of the most common reasons include:
Abnormal Cardiovascular Rhythm
Cardiac murmurs, gallop sounds, and arrhythmias (irregularities) are obvious abnormalities that may necessitate an ECG. These can often indicate diastolic (first part of the heartbeat) dysfunction, which is why an ECG is always warranted in dogs and cats with cardiac abnormalities.
Abnormal cardiovascular rhythm can be caused by intracardiac (within the heart) or extracardiac (outside of the heart) disease. ECGs help rule out primary cardiomyopathy or infiltrative cardiac disease and determine appropriate anti-arrhythmic therapy for the individual patient.
Breed Screening
Many breeds of dogs and cats have a heritable predisposition (passed from parent to offspring) for heart disease.
- Dog breeds include the Doberman Pinscher, the Great Dane, the Boxer, and the Cocker Spaniel.
- Cat breeds include the Maine Coon, the Persian, the Ragdoll, and some American Shorthairs.
Thoracic Radiographic Changes
Cardiomegaly (enlarged heart) on radiographs can be due to cardiac enlargement, pericardial fat accumulation, 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 specific and sensitive to cats.
Some types of cats, such as purebreds, have a higher risk of heart disease. Therefore, your vet may be more likely to recommend an ECG if your feline friend falls into this category. This will help confirm the presence of heart disease and determine the patient's therapeutic needs.
How much is an ECG for dogs or cats?
The cost of this or any other diagnostic test will vary depending on your pet, the clinic itself, and whether your pet has any other services or tests performed during their visit.
Diagnostic Services at Godspeed Animal Care
If your veterinarian performs a physical examination and suspects your pet may have a heart disorder, we usually take chest X-rays and an electrocardiogram (ECG).
This procedure can be completed easily and quickly. It reveals data that may be integral to your pet's diagnosis. In other cases, a cardiac ultrasound may be required to identify disorders in the chambers of the heart.
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.