Anaesthesia Deep Dive: Electrocardiography (ECG) Monitoring
- Carolyn O'Brien
- Dec 9, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 25
At Melbourne Cat Vets, the safety of your cat during anaesthesia is our utmost priority. One important tool we use to ensure this safety is an electrocardiogram (ECG). This helps us track your cat's heart activity in real-time, allowing us to identify and manage any potential issues that might arise during surgery. Understanding ECG monitoring and its significance can provide peace of mind for cat owners, knowing that their pet is receiving the best possible care.
What Is an ECG Monitoring and Why Is It Important?
An ECG is a tool that records the electrical activity of the heart. When your cat is under anaesthesia, their heart's electrical signals are continuously monitored through small electrodes attached to their skin. This allows us to observe the heart's rhythm, rate, and overall function.
Anaesthesia can sometimes cause changes in heart function, so monitoring the heart with an ECG is crucial. It helps us detect arrhythmias, which are irregular heartbeats that can occur during surgery. By catching these irregularities early, we can take immediate steps to correct them and ensure your cat remains stable.
Why Do Arrhythmias Occur During Anaesthesia?
There are several reasons why arrhythmias might develop while your cat is under anaesthesia:
1. Effects of Anaesthetic Drugs: Some anaesthetic agents can disrupt the normal electrical conduction of the heart, leading to arrhythmias. While these medications are carefully chosen for their safety, every cat reacts differently, which is why monitoring is essential.
2. Fluctuations in Blood Gases: Anaesthesia can affect your cat's breathing, potentially leading to changes in oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood. Low oxygen (hypoxia) or high carbon dioxide (hypercapnia) can trigger arrhythmias.
3. Stress Response: Even under anaesthesia, the body can respond to surgical stress or pain, causing the heart to beat irregularly. This is one of the reasons why we take great care to manage pain and stress during any procedure.
4. Pre-existing Conditions: Cats with underlying heart conditions may be more susceptible to arrhythmias when under anaesthesia. This is why a thorough pre-anaesthetic assessment is vital.
How We Respond to Arrhythmias During Surgery
If an arrhythmia is detected during your cat's procedure, our team is prepared with several strategies to manage the situation:
- Adjusting Anaesthesia: Sometimes, the depth of anaesthesia needs to be adjusted. This might mean altering the dosage or switching to a different anaesthetic agent that is less likely to affect the heart.
- Optimising Oxygen Levels: If oxygen levels are low, supplemental oxygen can be administered to help stabilise the heart rhythm.
- Administering Medication: In some cases, specific medications may be required to correct the arrhythmia and support a normal heart rhythm.
- Supporting Blood Pressure: Blood pressure is closely monitored along with the ECG, as low blood pressure can also contribute to arrhythmias. Fluid therapy or medications might be used to maintain stable blood pressure.
- Continuous Monitoring: Throughout the procedure, the ECG, along with other vital signs, is continuously monitored to ensure that any changes are addressed promptly.
Key Points
At Melbourne Cat Vets, we understand that the thought of your cat undergoing anaesthesia can be stressful. By using ECG monitoring, we add an extra layer of safety, ensuring that your cat’s heart is functioning as it should throughout the procedure. If any issues arise, our skilled team is ready to act immediately, keeping your cat safe.
If you have any questions or concerns about your cat’s anaesthesia, we encourage you to speak with our team. We are here to provide the information and reassurance you need to feel confident about your cat’s care.
Check out our other blog posts about anaesthesia monitoring to learn more about how we strive to keep your cat safe -