Diagnosing Heart Problems in Dogs & Cats
To deliver the benefits needed to enable our pets to live longer and healthier lives, Union Lake Veterinary Hospital invests in the same types of high-tech equipment used in human hospitals and clinics. Since the hearts of dogs and cats can suffer from the same problems as human hearts, especially as pets grow older, it is important to monitor and test them for signs of heart problems.
Electrocardiogram, or EKG, is a non-invasive procedure that allows a veterinarian to check how your pet’s heart is performing. It measures the rate and regularity of the pet’s heartbeats and also measures the size and position of the heart chambers. In addition to heart measurements, an EKG will reveal signs of any existing damage to the cat or dog’s heart. As with humans, early detection of heart problems in your pet increases the opportunities for successful treatment of the pet’s heart condition
It is important to remember that chest pain is frequently the first sign of a heart attack and usually a reason to perform an EKG. However, unlike their owners, dogs and cats cannot communicate the fact that they are experiencing chest pain, and this important symptom often goes unnoticed. Periodic EKG tests for dogs and cats during their senior years are vital to protect your pet’s health and well-being during this stage of life.
