The electrocardiogram of normal ferrets and ferrets with right ventricular hypertrophy

Sixty-eight electrocardiograms were recorded on ferrets (Mustela putorius furo). These represent 29 normal weanling males, 19 normal adult males and 20 adult males with right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH). Analyses of rate, rhythm, axis and total voltage were used to define the normal electrocardiogram (ECG) and to identify changes seen in RVH. The normal ferret has a heart rate of about 300 beats per minute and a mean electrical axis of + 86 degrees +/- 6.6 (SD). A 56% increase in right ventricular weight to body weight ratio was not associated with right axis deviation. The overall voltage produced on the ECG was increased in the group with RVH as compared to the normal group (p less than 0.030).