Queen Mother Hospital for Animals, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield. Herts AL9 7TA
DCM has been described as having distinct stages (Table 2). The first stage contains dogs with no abnormal findings on echocardiography (echo) or electrocardiography (ECG); however, they are at risk...
ECG machine configuration and functionality varies from basic machines to complicated top range models. If unsure how to use the practice machine, refer to the user manual and practice using it as...
There are different ways to measure BP in cats, and most nurses will be restricted to what is available in practice. Only one relatively recent study has compared oscillometric and Doppler methods in...
Normal cardiovascular function provides the body with nutrients and removes metabolic waste. The heart is the pumping force behind this system, and is divided into two sides to prevent mixing of...
ARVC can have potentially serious side effects on cardiac function. Haemodynamic compromise, progression of concurrent cardiac disease and sudden death may all be seen with ARVC, and these can...
Before analysis of arrhythmias can begin, it is important to understand what a normal electrocardiogram (ECG) trace looks like, and just as importantly, why it looks that way (Figure 1). The normal,...
Heart disease can occur at any age. Common congenital defects in dogs include patent ductus arteriosus, aortic stenosis and pulmonic stenosis. The most common acquired canine heart diseases are...
Henry was presented with acute onset respiratory distress. He had a 2 month history of exercise intolerance and breathlessness, but had developed a retching cough 4 days prior to presentation, and had...
HCM is a primary (idiopathic) cardiomyopathy (chronic disease of the heart muscle), and it is believed to have a genetic cause in most cases (Kittleson et al, 1997; Meurs et al, 1997). In Maine Coons...
An ECG records the electrical activity (depolarization and repolarization) of the cardiac muscle, as it pumps blood around the body..