ECG

What it involves

Electrocardiography records the electrical impulses that control the contraction of the heart. The trace shows whether the rhythm is regular, where it originates (from the normal pacemaker or from another focus), and whether there are extra beats, conduction blocks or pauses. A heart echo shows the structure and mechanics, while an ECG shows the “electrical wiring”. The two tests complement each other but do not replace each other.

We record the trace with electrodes clipped to the skin of the limbs, with the animal lying down or, in restless patients, standing or on the owner’s lap. It takes from a few to about a dozen minutes and is completely painless. We do not use sedation, because it would alter the result.

ECG is also a standard part of intra-operative monitoring at our anaesthesia station (STD-02); every general anaesthetic is carried out with continuous monitoring of the heart rhythm.

When it is used

For fainting, episodes of sudden weakness, an irregular or very slow or fast pulse detected by the vet, in dogs of breeds predisposed to arrhythmia (Doberman, Boxer), in electrolyte disturbances (for example in Addison’s disease or after poisoning), and in the pre-anaesthetic assessment of seniors and cardiac patients.

Because a short recording may not capture a paroxysmal arrhythmia, where indicated we recommend Holter monitoring, and we will point you to a partner centre where it can be done.

Indications: symptoms that should prompt a visit

• A dog fainted while playing or barking and got up a moment later as if nothing had happened.
• A vet has felt an uneven heartbeat or a very slow pulse.
• A Doberman or Boxer has episodes of weakness, or there have been sudden deaths in the family line.
• An animal with heart disease is booked for a procedure under anaesthesia.
• A cat or dog is vomiting and lethargic, and the vet suspects a potassium disturbance.
• A dog being treated for heart disease has suddenly become weaker despite its medication.

Conditions for which we use it in particular

Diagnostics beforehand

An ECG needs no preparation. We usually combine it with listening to the heart and with echocardiography, because an arrhythmia often results from structural heart disease. If a cause outside the heart is suspected, we add a blood test with electrolytes (on-site laboratory), and for a pre-anaesthetic assessment the full package according to STD-01.

How it proceeds

Aftercare

After the examination the animal returns to normal activity. When antiarrhythmic drugs are started, we plan a follow-up ECG after 1–2 weeks, and after that as needed. Call immediately if the fainting happens again, or if a very weak or irregular pulse or breathlessness appears.

Frequently asked questions