An electrocardiogram (ECG) is the only test that can accurately diagnose an arrhythmia or a conduction abnormality in an animal’s heart. Abnormalities include breathing problems, shock, fainting or seizures, cardiac murmurs and systemic disease that affect the heart (tumors, kidney dysfunction, heartworm disease).
The ECG helps our veterinarians decide when other diagnostic tests should be done including blood pressure measurement, thoracic radiography or echocardiography. We also use ECG as part of the preoperative work-up in older animals, for monitoring patients during and after surgery and for evaluating the effects of cardiac drugs.
Our veterinarians perform electrocardiography on a periodic basis in breeds prone to arrhythmias if clinical signs are present. These breeds include boxers, Doberman pinschers, German shepherds and miniature schnauzers.