While it is true that our electrocardiographs are designed for human patients, their advanced functionalities also make them a valuable tool for veterinary cardiology. In small animal cardiology, accurate ECG recordings are essential for diagnosis and monitoring. In this blog, we explore how SCHILLER technology supports veterinary cardiac assessment for dogs and cats.
High Sampling Rate Electrocardiographs for Veterinary Cardiology
The normal heart rate (HR) in adults is 60-100 beats per minute. While in children it ranges from 80-130, depending on their age. In contrast, the heart rate of medium-sized animals typically ranges between 70-110 beats per minute. As it is evident, the HR of pets is higher than that of humans. This means that veterinarians need an ECG for small animals that can reliably and clearly record the rapid cardiac waves of these patients. SCHILLER electrocardiographs are an excellent solution because they offer extremely high sampling rate (SR).
Why SR Matters in Veterinary ECGs
The third photo illustrates the quality with which SCHILLER electrocardiographs capture the trace during ECGs. Moreover, the capacity of extending the bandwidth to 260 Hz will allow to correctly capture heart rates over 150 beats per minute. Therefore, it’s no surprise that veterinarians choose our equipment for their daily work.
Clinical Advantages of SCHILLER ECGs in Veterinary Practice
Veterinary Cardiologist Experience with the CARDIOVIT AT-1 G2
Dr. Christian Valenzuela, DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine), kindly shared with SCHILLER his perspective on how useful the CARDIOVIT AT-1 G2 is in his practice for taking care of his patients’ hearts.
“Many of the equipment used for developing cardiological practice in canine and feline patients require the same technology as the devices used for cardiology in humans. There are some slight calibration variations. However, human devices can indeed meet the objectives required for veterinary patients,” Dr. Valenzuela explains to us.
“In the case of the story I shared [on his Instagram account @cardiovet.occidente], I used the CARDIOVIT AT-1 G2 electrocardiograph to perform a test on a canine patient. I acquired this device a few months ago, and adapted it with the appropriate electrodes. The results have been highly satisfactory”, he continues.
“For canine patients, we specifically use only unipolar and bipolar leads. We reserve precordial leads for certain situations since our patients do not commonly suffer from acute myocardial infarction. Therefore, in the studies I shared with you, only the aforementioned leads are recorded. Here you have ECGs of different situations: from a healthy patient, a patient with significant arrhythmia, and a patient in a stress situation due to the study,” Dr. Valenzuela says.
If you wish to download and view the ECGs recorded by Dr. Valenzuela using the CARDIOVIT AT-1 G2, click the button.
“As feedback for you, in veterinary practice, it is very common for patients to move during the electrocardiogram. That’s why what I really like about the CARDIOVIT AT-1 G2 is that, despite the movement, the isoelectric line remains stable, except when there is excessive electrode movement,” concludes Dr. Christian Valenzuela, DVM.
5 Key Features of SCHILLER ECGs for Veterinary Cardiology
The innovative Swiss quality technology of SCHILLER electrocardiographs makes them an appealing solution for taking care of pets’ hearts.
- Sampling rate of 32,000 Hz, ideal for high sampling rate ECG for animals. As explained in detail above, this allows for capturing the signal of heartbeats in animal species. This feature is available in all our ECGs.
- Electrode Reversal Detection. This feature, present in all SCHILLER electrocardiographs, allows cardiologists and veterinarians to ensure that the electrodes are correctly placed before taking the ECG. This helps avoid having to repeat tests
- Integrated Printer. Allows for immediate printing of studies. Alternatively, if doctors prefer to save on paper costs, the CARDIOVIT AT-1 G2, CARDIOVIT FT-1, CARDIOVIT AT-102 G2, CARDIOVIT AT-102 SCM SP and CARDIOVIT AT-180 models have the capability to export electrocardiograms in PDF or XML format.
- Study Personalization. Doctors can input patient data to compare past studies and keep their records organized. They can also add their name and the logo of their clinic or hospital.
- Portable. Our electrocardiographs are lightweight; for example, the CARDIOVIT AT-1 G2 weighs less than 2 kilograms. They also feature SMART Battery functionality, ensuring more than 8 hours of operation with ECG printing every 15 minutes.
Reliable ECG Technology for Veterinary and Human Medicine
Our electrocardiographs combine robustness, precision, and portability, meeting the demands of both human healthcare and veterinary cardiology practices. Their adaptability makes them a trusted solution for clinicians seeking advanced ECG equipment for veterinary use. We invite you to request a demonstration and discover how our equipment can enhance your clinical practice.
* Device availability in your market is subject to regulatory approval.
Why Request a Demo of Our ECGs
At SCHILLER, we are committed to helping you identify the ECG solution that truly fits your clinical needs. Our personalized demonstrations allow you to explore our technology in depth, with no obligation to purchase, so you can make an informed and confident decision. During your demo, you will be able to:
✅ Select only the features you need
✅ Avoid paying for unnecessary extras
✅ Add features when you need them
Whether you are planning an immediate investment or evaluating options for the future, schedule your demo today and let our specialists help you identify the solution that best supports your clinical practice.
Frequently Asked Questions About ECG Use in Veterinary Medicine
Can ECG machines designed for humans be used in veterinary medicine?
Yes. ECG machines designed for humans can be effectively used in veterinary medicine when they offer high sampling rates, signal stability, and adaptable lead configurations. These features allow accurate ECG recordings in small animals with higher heart rates, such as dogs and cats.
What is the ideal sampling rate for ECGs in small animals?
A high sampling rate is essential for small animals due to their faster heart rhythms. High sampling rates provide greater waveform detail and diagnostic accuracy, especially in veterinary cardiology and stress conditions.
Why is signal stability important in veterinary ECG recordings?
Animal movement during ECG exams is common in veterinary practice. Stable signal acquisition helps maintain a clear isoelectric line and reduces artifacts, ensuring reliable results even when patients move slightly during the test.
What features should veterinarians look for in an ECG system?
Veterinarians should look for ECG systems with high sampling rates, reliable electrode detection, portable design, and long battery life. These features support efficient workflows and accurate cardiac assessment in clinical settings.
How does ECG bandwidth affect recordings in patients with high heart rates?
ECG bandwidth determines how accurately rapid electrical changes in the heart are captured. A wider bandwidth allows the system to record fast heart rates and subtle waveform details more precisely, which is particularly important when assessing patients with elevated heart rates, including small animals and stressed patients.