Pet Electrocardiograms Serving Ames and Gilbert, IA

At Companion Animal Clinic, your trusted vet in the area, we provide electrocardiograms (ECGs) to assess your pet’s heart health. When your dog’s or cat’s heart beats, it generates an electrical signal from the pacemaker area of the heart. These signals are recorded through an ECG (also known as an EKG) to identify potential abnormalities, such as arrhythmias, irregular heartbeats, or other defects.

Our experienced team at Companion Animal Clinic is fully equipped to handle what these tests bring to light. If you notice symptoms that might indicate heart issues, contact us at (515) 233-6689 to schedule an ECG for your pet.

Symptoms That Would Prompt an ECG

If your pet exhibits any of the following symptoms, it may be time to schedule an electrocardiogram:

• Weakness
• Lethargy
• Exercise intolerance
• Shortness of breath
• Coughing
• Abnormal lung sounds
• An irregular heartbeat
• A heart murmur
• Irregular pulses

How Is an Electrocardiogram Performed?

We perform pet ECGs serving Ames and Gilbert, IA, daily. This non-invasive procedure requires no special preparation.

Your pet will need to remain still, either standing or lying on an exam table. We apply electrodes to their skin at the base of their four legs, along with a conduction gel or rubbing alcohol, to enhance the signal quality. The process takes just a few minutes, depending on your pet’s cooperation and the abnormalities we suspect.

What Do You Learn From an Electrocardiogram?

An ECG provides crucial information about your pet’s heart function:

• Heart rate: Determines whether the heart is beating at a normal pace, too rapidly, or too slowly for your pet’s breed.
• Heart rhythm: Accurately assesses heart rhythm and helps diagnose arrhythmias and their underlying causes.
• Heart size: While not completely accurate, an ECG may suggest abnormalities in specific heart chambers that warrant further investigation.

For expert heart health diagnostics, trust Companion Animal Clinic to provide compassionate care and advanced technology. Contact us today at (515) 233-6689 to learn how an electrocardiogram can support your pet’s well-being.