ECG (or better known to many as EKG from the German spelling) is a method by which we can examine the electrical signals being conducted through the heart muscle. This is a very valuable tool and we offer this service in house at Plantation Pet Health Center. Many people do not realize that the heart is actually an electro-mechanical pump. The rhythm and pace of the heart's contractions (beats) is controlled electrically. Electrical signals are sent through the muscle and these signals help coordinate and time the muscle cells to contract in just the right order to efficiently pump blood into the lungs and body. If these signals get confused, delayed, out of order, or blocked, then the heart is not so efficient a pump and the body suffers for it.

ECG technology allows us to record the timing and strength of these electrical signals to make sure they are the right strength, timing, and direction for maximum heart efficiency. If they are not, then the pet may experience weakness, shortness of breath, coughing, fainting, or even heart attack like symptoms! By using this tool, we can often detect these problems early enough to treat them and extend the duration and quality of many pets' lives.