Electrocardiography

An ECG is often a component of the workup for any dog suspected of having heart disease.

Clinical signs of heart disease that you may see at home, which might indicate a need for an ECG, can include any of the following:

• weakness
• lethargy
• exercise intolerance
• shortness of breath
• coughing

Even if your dog is not showing signs of heart disease at home, your veterinarian may recommend an ECG if your dog has physical exam findings that are suggestive of heart disease. These findings may include:

• an irregular heartbeat
• a heart murmur (which indicates turbulent blood flow over a valve within the heart)
• irregular pulses
• abnormal lung sounds

An ECG may also be performed as a screening test in geriatric dogs or dogs that are undergoing anesthesia. Additionally, ECG monitoring is common in dogs of any age when they are under general anesthesia.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.