A non-invasive diagnostic procedure that records a canine patient’s heart activity over a prolonged period, typically 24-48 hours. Small electrodes are attached to the animal’s chest and connected to a portable recording device. This allows veterinary cardiologists to monitor the electrical activity of the heart during normal daily activities, providing a more complete picture than a standard electrocardiogram (ECG) performed in a clinic setting can offer. For example, if a dog experiences sporadic fainting episodes, or exhibits an irregular heartbeat only occasionally, a standard ECG might not capture the abnormality, whereas continuous monitoring is much more likely to detect it.
This extended cardiac monitoring is vital for identifying intermittent arrhythmias or other heart abnormalities that may not be apparent during a brief examination. Its benefits include improved diagnostic accuracy, allowing for earlier detection of potentially life-threatening conditions. Prior to its widespread availability, diagnosing these intermittent heart problems was challenging, often leading to delayed treatment or misdiagnosis. The ability to monitor heart activity over an extended period has significantly enhanced the ability to assess a dog’s cardiac health comprehensively.
