EKG

Like humans dogs and cats can have heart disease . Unlike humans they don't develop fatty lesions in the blood vesicles of their hearts.

All mammals, have a four-chambered heart comprising a left and right atrium and a left and right ventricle. The left atrium receives blood from the lungs.  The right receives blood from the body The left ventricle is pumps blood throughout the body.  The right ventricle pumps blood to the lungs to be oxygenated. One way valves located between the atria, ventricles, and the two vessels leading to the heart, prevent blood from flowing backwards.

SYMPTOMS & SIGNS OF HEART DISEASE

The dog or cat may display one or more of these symptoms:

• Weakness


• Coughing


• Difficulty Breathing (Dyspnea)


• Loss Of Appetite


• Distended Abdomen (Ascites)


• Fainting (Syncope)


• Rapid Weak Heart Rate (Tachycardia)


• Pale Bluish Gums (Cyanosis)


• Heart Murmur


• Abnormal Heart Rhythm


• Blood Tests That Indicate Kidneys & Liver Insufficiency


• Palpable Venous Pulse

Heart disease in dogs typically effects the heart's valves first. Heart disease in cats usually effects the entire heart muscle. Because cats hide illness their heart disease is usually not noticed until the heart is beginning to fail. Often the only signs of heart disease in cats are weight loss, and difficulty breathing.

Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart. EKGs are used to measure the rate and regularity of heartbeats as well as the size and position of the heart's chambers, the presence of damage to the heart, and the effects of drugs or devices used to regulate the heart.

EKG is a valuable tool in diagnosing and monitoring heart disease. We use EKGs to monitor heart function in patients undergoing general anesthesia and as a part of a cardiac workup.  Pets with arrythmias, heart murmurs, congestive heart failure, etc. also need regular EKGs to track effectiveness of medication and disease progression.