Impact of preanaesthetic electrocardiogram on decision making and modification of anaesthetic protocols in dogs.

Background: This retrospective observational study explored the impact of preanaesthetic electrocardiogram (ECG) assessment on preoperative echocardiography requests and modifications to a standardised anaesthetic protocol in healthy dogs.

Methods: A total of 228 healthy dogs with no previously diagnosed heart disease that underwent general anaesthesia at Complutense Veterinary Teaching Hospital from December 2017 to June 2018 were included. Preanaesthetic ECGs were assessed for abnormalities, and the findings were documented.