The Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome in a Holstein-Friesian cow

A case of Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome in a Holstein-Freisian cow aged 10-year-old was examined in detail. In electrocardiogram (ECG), the P-wave was the same configuration in both the normal and abnormal ECG. The PR-interval shortened from 0.2 to 0.1 second and the duration of the QRS-complex prolonged from 0.1 to 0.12 second compared with normal ECG. The delta wave, characterized in WPW syndrome, could not be recognized. In echocardiogram, notches were recognized at the early stage of ventricular contraction in the interventricular septum. This cow was, therefore, diagnosed as type B WPW syndrome. The abnormal ECG disappeared by the administration of procainamide. It was strongly indicated that the ventricular contraction showing abnormal ECG was generated only by the stimulation through an accessory pathway in this cow.