Electrocardiogram

How does an ECG work in dogs?

An ECG in dogs is performed in a similar way to that in humans. Electrodes are attached to various parts of the body to record the electrical impulses of the heart. The electrodes are connected to a device that displays the impulses as curves on a screen or a strip of paper. These waveforms are called ECG waves and have different shapes and heights depending on which phase of the cardiac cycle they represent.

When is an ECG used in dogs?

An ECG in dogs is usually used when the vet suspects heart disease. This may be the case, for example, if the dog shows symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, weakness or fainting. An ECG may also be useful if the dog has a history of heart disease or is taking certain medications that can affect the heart. An ECG can also be performed as part of a routine examination or before an operation to assess the risk of complications.

What does an ECG mean in dogs?

An ECG in dogs can provide various information about the heart, such as

• The heart rate: this is the number of heart beats per minute. A normal heart rate for dogs is between 60 and 140 beats per minute, depending on the size and activity of the dog.
• Heart rhythm: This is the regularity of the heartbeats. A normal heart rhythm is regular and synchronized with breathing. An irregular heart rhythm can indicate a disturbance in the electrical conduction in the heart, which can lead to fast, slow or uncoordinated heartbeats.
• Heart size: This is the size of the heart in the chest. An enlarged heart size can indicate an overload or weakness of the heart muscle, which can lead to a reduced pumping capacity.
• The heart muscle structure: This is the thickness and appearance of the heart muscle. A thickened or thinned heart muscle structure may indicate chronic strain or damage to the heart muscle, which can lead to altered contractility.