Why the study?
Is a simple method for recording six-lead ECG tracings feasible in wild, unsedated Asian elephants?
Is a simple method for recording six-lead ECG tracings feasible in wild, unsedated Asian elephants?
A simple method for recording six-lead ECGs in standing, unsedated free-ranging Asian elephants is feasible and yields diagnostic-quality tracings, particularly in the aVL lead.
Feasibility shown for unsedated elephants; leaves open translation to other large mammals or clinical veterinary use.
Electrocardiography represents a relevant diagnostic tool for detecting cardiac disease in animals. Elephants can present various congenital and acquired cardiovascular diseases. However, few electrophysiologic studies have been reported in captive elephants, mainly due to challenging technical difficulties in obtaining good-quality electrocardiogram (ECG) tracings, and no data are currently available for free-ranging Asian elephants (Elephas maximus). The purpose of this pilot prospective study was to evaluate the feasibility of using a simple method for recording ECG tracings in wild, apparently healthy, unsedated Asian elephants (n = 7) in the standing position. Successful six-lead recordings (I, II, III, aVR, aVL, and aVF) were obtained, with the aVL lead providing the best-quality tracings in most animals. Variables measured in the aVL lead included heart rate, amplitudes and duration of the P waves, QRS complexes, T and U waves, and duration of the PR, QT, and QU intervals. A negative deflection following positive P waves, representative of an atrial repolarization wave (Ta wave), was observed for five out of the seven elephants.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Chai et al. (2016) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: