An ECG is a measuring device used to diagnose heart disease. It measures the electrical impulses emitted by the heart's activity.
In veterinary medicine, an ECG is mainly used to diagnose cardiac arrhythmias and for intensive monitoring. Unlike humans, heart attacks are rare in animals.
In small animals, the examination is performed with the animal lying on its right side; in large animals, the animal stands. It is important that the animals lie or stand on a non-conductive surface. The impulses are recorded by electrodes that are attached to the animal's skin. The currents are then displayed in a curve that represents the heart function.
If symptoms only occur during physical activity, a stress ECG is recommended. This involves recording an ECG while the animal is under stress for a certain period of time.
A 24-hour ECG, also known as a Holter ECG, can be used to measure an animal's heart activity over a whole day or even longer under normal conditions. This type of ECG is used to diagnose certain diseases at an early stage or to record fainting spells and episodes of weakness. For this purpose, adhesive electrodes are attached to the side of the chest and the device itself is attached to the animal's back with a small backpack. This means that the animal does not need to be admitted to hospital for the examination.
An event recorder is used to detect cardiac arrhythmias that occur only occasionally and cannot be detected by an ECG during symptom-free periods. The device can be attached externally or implanted under the skin through a small incision. An event recorder can remain on or in the animal for a certain period of time and continuously records ECG data for a few minutes at a time.
What lies behind this almost unpronounceable name? Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis is a hereditary, incurable metabolic disease that primarily affects Quarter Horses, Paint Horses, and Appaloosas, whose bloodlines all trace back to the Quarter Horse stallion "Impressive."
Gastroenterology is the branch of internal medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. This also includes the pancreas, liver, and gallbladder.
Hypothyroidism, medically known as hypothyroidism, is one of the most common hormonal disorders in dogs. It mainly affects middle-aged to older dogs, with Golden Retrievers, Dobermans, Boxers, and Beagles being particularly susceptible.
Squamous cell carcinoma is a malignant skin tumor that occurs in cats mainly in the mouth, ears, and nose. Starting in the uppermost layer of skin and mucous membrane, the squamous epithelium, this tumor spreads very quickly and aggressively. Cats of all breeds and ages can be affected, although older cats are more susceptible.
In dogs, as in humans, the anterior cruciate ligament often tears. This strong ligament connects the thigh bone to the shin bone in the knee joint and prevents the knee from overextending or twisting. However, while cruciate ligament tears in humans are usually traumatic in nature (caused by sports accidents of all kinds), in dogs the ligament gradually breaks down over a longer period of time (degeneration).
The bit attached to the bridle transmits your rein aids to your horse and is therefore a central link in rider-horse communication. As the horse's mouth is a particularly sensitive area, it is important that the bit suits you both. Choosing the right bit depends on the level of training of the rider and horse, the type of riding, the anatomy of the horse's mouth, the temperament and also the preferences of the horse.
With increasing age, the number of cats suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD) rises. Between 30 and 40% of all cats over the age of 10 are affected. It often goes unnoticed for a long time. However, the gradual decline in kidney function continues to progress. CKD is one of the most common causes of death in cats and is unfortunately incurable.
Tumors on the ovaries of mares are among the most common growths of the female reproductive system. They can occur regardless of breed and age and are often the cause of behavioral abnormalities or disturbances in the mare's sexual cycle. Depending on the type of cell affected, different types of tumors can occur, but they are usually benign.
Tortoises are fascinating animals that many children love. But before you bring a tortoise into your home, you should be aware that there is much more to it than just finding them cute or interesting.
As the saying goes, when two completely different people meet and have communication problems, they are "like cats and dogs." Dogs and cats do indeed seem to be fundamentally different. But opposites aren't always bad. It's entirely possible for the two to enjoy a peaceful family life together in the same household.
Magnetic resonance imaging, also known as nuclear magnetic resonance imaging, is one of the most modern and safest imaging techniques. It is used in veterinary medicine to diagnose a wide variety of diseases.
This disease is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the mare's reproductive system, which is mainly transmitted through mating. The stallion is only a carrier of the pathogen and does not show any clinical symptoms. The disease, known as contagious equine metritis (CEM), was first described in detail in 1977 and is a notifiable disease in Germany.
