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Electrocardiographic changes in the growing Mastín Español
L J Bernal1, A M Montes, M J Fernández del Palacio
1Departamento Patología Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Murcia, Spain.
The Journal of Small Animal Practice
|May 1, 1995
Summary
Electrocardiograms reveal significant changes in Mastín Español dogs as they mature. Heart rate stabilizes, and waveform characteristics evolve throughout the first year of life.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Cardiology
- Canine Physiology
Background:
- Understanding normal cardiac development is crucial for diagnosing canine heart conditions.
- Electrocardiography (ECG) provides valuable insights into cardiac electrical activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document age- and growth-related changes in canine electrocardiograms.
- To establish reference ranges for ECG parameters in Mastín Español dogs.
Main Methods:
- Serial electrocardiograms were performed on 70 Mastín Español dogs.
- Dogs ranged in age from one day to three years.
- Analysis included waveform morphology, intervals, rhythm, and heart rate.
Main Results:
- Age and body weight influenced P wave, PR, QT, RR intervals, R wave amplitude, and QRS duration.
- QRS morphology evolved significantly in the first two weeks.
- Heart rate decreased and stabilized around 110 bpm by seven months; T wave polarity shifted after five months.
- Sinus tachycardia was common in young dogs; respiratory sinus arrhythmia appeared from six months.
Conclusions:
- Canine ECG parameters undergo substantial changes during growth and development.
- These findings provide essential data for interpreting ECGs in young Mastín Español dogs.
- Sex influences T wave characteristics, with males exhibiting higher values.