result evaluation available within minutes.

When should an ECG be performed?

New Patients

• This is to establish a baseline reading so that changes will be detectable in future exams.

Older Patients

• Age is a major factor in heart health. Start annual tests at age 6 to detect disease early.

When Warning Signs Occur

• Weight loss/gain
• Coughing, excessive panting
• Lethargy, exercise intolerance
• Seizures

Why does my pet need an ECG?

Many conditions can be diagnosed by conducting an ECG. This noninvasive test can detect a multitude of treatable conditions such as arrhythmia and cardiomyopathy (chronic heart disease). An ECG can also aid in diagnosing no-cardiac diseases.

Your pet is in great hands at All Pets Vet Hospital and is being treated with the finest on-site ECG service available today.

Commonly Asked Questions about ECG testing and Pet Care

Q. What is an electrocardiogram?

A. An electrocardiogram is a recording of the electrical activity of the heart.

Q. Can my veterinarian determine the health or condition of my pet by a physical examination only?

A. A physical examination is an important part of the assessment of your pet's health. However additional tests, such as an EGG, are often necessary to help your veterinarian further assess the activity of internal organs such as the heart.

Q. Will my pet need to be sedated for the EGG?

A. No. This is a relatively simple test involving contacts that attach to your pet.

Q. My pet is having surgery or dentistry. Why is an electrocardiogram recommended?

A. Animals may have intermittent heart irregularities. An EGG may help your veterinarian identify theses and detect or avoid certain sedatives/anesthetics that could cause complications during routine procedures.

Q. Will my pet experience pain during or after the procedure?

A. No. As expected, there is a certain level of anxiety experienced by animals that are treated in any fashion. This test requires only that the animal remain fairly still for just a few minutes while its EGG signal is monitored.

Q. Is this an expensive test?

A. No. This is a lower=cost option than most tests. We encourage you to take the advice of your veterinarian, as they have the best interest of your pet in mind.

Components of ECG

P is the waveform generated by the firing of the pacemaker and depolarization of the atria. Q is the first phase of ventricular depolarization and represents the electrical activity coming from the ventricular system. Not all normal ECGs will have visible Q wave. R is the largest waveform in the most ECG leads and represents the electrical activity of the apex and free walls of the ventricles.

S is the first phase of depolarization of the ventricles and originates from the muscle at the base of the heart. Not all normal ECGs will have an S wave.

T is the repolarization of the ventricles.