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Preliminary reference values for electrocardiography, echocardiography and myocardial morphometry in the European
Agnieszka Noszczyk-Nowak1, Józef Nicpoń, Marcin Nowak
1Department of Internal and Parasitic Diseases Veterinary Medicine Faculty, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław 50-366, Poland. agnieszkann@poczta.onet.pl
Insights
This study establishes reference values for European brown hare cardiac function using electrocardiography (ECG) and echocardiography. Findings reveal physiological adaptations, similar to human athlete
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Cardiology
- Comparative Physiology
- Wildlife Biology
Background:
- Limited data exists on cardiac physiology in European brown hares.
- Understanding normal cardiac parameters is crucial for assessing hare health and adaptation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define reference values for electrocardiographic (ECG) and echocardiographic parameters in European brown hares.
- To measure macroscopic and microscopic cardiac dimensions.
- To correlate cardiac findings with the hare's lifestyle.
Main Methods:
- Supravital electrocardiography (ECG) and echocardiography were performed on 30 anesthetized European brown hares.
- Macroscopic and microscopic myocardial and cardiomyocyte dimensions were determined post-euthanasia.
- Data analysis focused on heart rate, rhythm, ECG intervals, and echocardiographic measurements.
Main Results:
- Established reference values for ECG parameters (e.g., heart rate 140±37.5 bpm, sinus rhythm) and echocardiographic measurements (e.g., left ventricular end-diastolic diameter 8.6±2.0 mm).
- Observed physiological hypertrophy, with interventricular septum thickness matching left ventricular free wall thickness.
- Cardiac findings resemble human athlete's heart syndrome, suggesting adaptation to the hare's active lifestyle.
Conclusions:
- Preliminary reference values for hare cardiac function were established.
- The study provides the first supravital examination of cardiac function in this species.
- Results highlight myocardial adaptation to the hare's mode of life and offer insights for future cardiovascular research.
Abstract:
The study aimed at defining reference values for electrocardiographic (ECG) and echocardiographic parameters as well as macroscopic dimensions of the heart and microscopic dimensions of cardiomyocytes in the European brown hare. The studies were conducted on 30 adult, clinically healthy hares of either sex caught in Poland. ECG and echocardiography were performed supravitally on anaesthetized hares. After euthanasia, gross and microscopic myocardial and cardiomyocyte dimensions were determined. Heart rate amounted to 140 +/- 37.5 beats/min, the leading rhythm involved the sinus rhythm. P wave time was 26 +/- 5 ms, PQ time was 80 ms, QRS time was 29 +/- 3.5 ms, and ST was 97.5 +/- 7 ms. Echocardiography determined a left ventricular wall end-diastolic diameter of 8.6 +/- 2.0 mm and an intraventricular septum end-diastolic diameter of 5.75 +/- 1.0 mm. The thickness of the interventricular septum corresponded to that of the free wall of the left ventricle, a finding consistent with physiological hypertrophy. Preliminary reference values were established for echocardiography. The findings were similar to those obtained at necropsy. The ECG and echocardiographic studies represent the first supravital examination of cardiac function in the hare. The obtained results illustrate adaptation of hare's myocardium to its mode of life. The cardiac findings resemble the athlete's heart syndrome described in humans. The findings may prove useful in further studies on the physiology of the cardio-vascular system in the hare.
