An EKG (electrocardiograms) is used to diagnose abnormal heart rhythms in our patients. This equipment is also used to monitor a pet's heart rate during a surgery or after a trauma in which intensive care or CPR has been done.

Blood pressure monitoring is used to commonly screen for hypertension. Hypertension occurs commonly in cats. This condition often occurs secondary to other general diseases such as heart disease, kidney disease, and thyroid disease. If left untreated, this may result in blindness or advancement of the underlying disease process.

Blood pressure measurement in cats requires a sensitive amplifying device called a doppler monitor. The area over the artery is clipped, a coupling gel is placed to allow the doppler monitor to amplify or locate a cat's pulse. Then a cuff is placed and inflated similarly to the one placed on our arm. A blood pressure measurement is taken three times to insure accuracy.