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. 2022 Nov-Dec;12(6):951-955.
doi: 10.5455/OVJ.2022.v12.i6.22. Epub 2022 Dec 7.

Base-apex electrocardiographic examination in healthy cows of Chianina breed

Maria Cicogna  1 , Piero Boni  2 , Tommaso Frigo  3 , Domenico Caivano  1
Affiliations

Base-apex electrocardiographic examination in healthy cows of Chianina breed

Maria Cicogna et al. Open Vet J. 2022 Nov-Dec.

Abstract

Background: The electrocardiography is a useful diagnostic tool for the characterization of the cardiac rhythm in veterinary medicine. In cattle, standard electrocardiographic (ECG) exam is commonly performed using the base-apex lead system and reference values for ECG parameters have been reported for different breeds of cows. However, no ECG studies have been conducted in Chianina breed.

Aim: To determine the feasibility and normal values for standard base-apex electrocardiography in clinically healthy Chianina cows.

Methods: A standard base-apex ECG examination was acquired in 45 Chianina cows. All the cows were considered healthy based on history and physical examination. The following ECG parameters were evaluated: heart rate (HR); morphology of P wave, QRS complex, and T wave; amplitude and duration of P wave, QRS complex, and T wave; duration of PR and QT intervals. Correlations between ECG parameters and clinical variables were analyzed.

Results: Morphology of the ECG waves/complexes and values for all ECG parameters recorded in the 45 clinically healthy Chianina cows were reported. Correlations between HR and body weight (BW), QT interval and BW, QT interval and HR, P wave amplitude and HR, PR interval and HR, R wave amplitude and age were observed. Statistical difference between HR in pregnant and non-pregnant cows was also found.

Conclusion: Base-apex electrocardiogram is suitable for monitoring heart rhythm in clinically healthy Chianina cows and reference values for main ECG parameters have been reported for this breed. This study can be a useful contribution to the literature, updating current knowledge on the electrocardiography in cattle.

Keywords: Arrhythmias; Cattle; Electrocardiogram; Heart.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that there were no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1.
Fig. 1.. ECG tracing recorded in a clinically healthy Chianina cow. Positive and “bifid” P waves, QRS complexes with “rS” configuration and “biphasic” T waves are evident in the electrocardiogram. HR is 60 bpm. Paper speed = 25 mm/second; gain = 10 mm/mV.
Fig. 2.
Fig. 2.. ECG tracing recorded in a clinically healthy Chianina cow. Positive and “bifid” P waves, QRS complexes with “RS” configuration, and positive T waves are evident in the electrocardiogram. HR is 60 bpm. Paper speed = 25 mm/second; gain = 10 mm/mV.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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