V.M.C. Oliveira

Electrocardiographic Parameters of Captive Lions (Panthera leo) and Tigers (Panthera tigris) Immobilized with Ketamine Plus Xylazine

Abstract Twenty-seven healthy captive lions (Panthera leo) and 13 healthy captive tigers (Panthera tigris) from São Paulo Zoo (Fundação Parque Zoológico de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil) collection were selected for this study. They were anesthetized with ketamine (10 mg/kg) combined with xylazine (1–2 mg/kg) for physical examinations, hematologic and serum chemical analysis and electrocardiogram recording. The main aim of this research was to gather initial information about normal electrocardiographic parameters of large felids. Standard P-QRS-T deflections on leads described for domestic carnivores were analyzed, and they did not greatly differ from those of large felids, taking into account the greater weight and corporal mass of large felids. Heart rate of lions ranged from 42 to 76 beats per minute (bpm). Heart rate of tigers ranged from 56 to 97 bpm. In both species, the most common rhythm detected was normal sinus rhythm followed by sinus arrhythmia; wandering pacemaker was also observed with normal sinus rhythm or sinus arrhythmia. Mean electrical axis lay between +60° and +120°. QRS complexes were predominantly positive in leads DI, DII, DIII, and AVF, and negative in AVR and AVL. This study provides insights into normal electrocardiograms of large felids. Wider investigations on the same subject are necessary to establish criteria for the recognition of abnormalities in these species and should include other anesthetic drug(s) combinations and reports of electrocardiographic features of animals with cardiac disease and electrolytes disturbances.

Valores da pressão arterial em cães pelos métodos oscilométrico e Doppler vascular

Two noninvasive methods for blood pressure measurement, the oscilometric and the Doppler ultrasonic, were compaired aiming the establishment of parameters that can be helpful for the hypertension diagnosis. Forty-five dogs, males and females, were distributed in three groups, according to body weight: small, medium, and large sizes. In each animal, measurement of the blood pressure was performed, first by the Doppler ultrasonic, followed by the oscilometric method. No differences were observed in sistolic arterial pressure values obtained by both methods in none of the three animal groups. However, there was an important difference in diastolic arterial pressure values obtained by these methods, especially in small and medium size dogs. It was concluded that reliable results of sistolic blood pressure can be obtained both by the Doppler ultrasonic and the oscilometric method. Diastolic blood pressure results, however, showed no correlation between these two methods, mainly in small and medium size dogs.

ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHIC PARAMETERS OF CAPTIVE TUFTED CAPUCHINS (CEBUS APELLA) UNDER CHEMICAL IMMOBILIZATION

This study presents the electrocardiogram findings from 97 captive tufted capuchin monkeys (Cebus apella) at the São Paulo Zoo (São Paulo, Brazil) while under ketamine anesthesia. The results did not differ greatly from data of domestic carnivores or other studied primate species. The most common rhythm recorded was normal sinus rhythm, followed by normal sinus rhythm with wandering pacemaker. Electrical axis varied from 0 degrees to -150 degrees but was most commonly between +60 degrees and +90 degrees. QRS complexes were predominantly positive in leads DI, DII, DIII, and AVF. These findings allow for the recognition of abnormal rhythms in these primate species and can contribute to future investigations into the cardiovascular diseases routinely diagnosed in primates and humans.

Avaliação dos fluxos das valvas aórtica e pulmonar com ecocardiografia Doppler pulsátil em cães clinicamente sadios

This study evaluated aortic (AO) and pulmonary (Pul) valves flow with pulsed-wave Doppler by qualitative (presence of valvar insufficiency and characteristic of flow profile) and quantitative analysis, and the following echocardiographic parameters were obtained: peak (PV) and mean (MV) velocities, velocity-time integral (VTI), acceleration (AT) and ejection (ET) time. Thirty dogs were studied, and to be considered normal, physical, laboratory, electrocardiographic, echocardiographic (uni and bidimensional mode) exams, thoracic radiography, and measurement of the blood pressure were accomplished, and the following echocardiographic parameters were obtained: AO PV= 1.22± 19.38m/s; AO MV= 0.72± 0.08m/s; AO VTI= 0.14± 0.02m; AO AT= 38.80± 11.29ms; AO ET= 197.90± 24.77ms; Pul PV= 0.95± 0.18m/s; Pul MV= 0.63± 0.10m/s; Pul VTI= 0.13± 0.02m; Pul AT= 70.97± 18.87ms; Pul ET= 203.70± 28.98ms. Heart rate presented negative correlation with AO VTI, AO ET, Pul VTI, Pul AT, Pul ET, and the variable weight had positive correlation with AO VTI, AO AT, AO ET, Pul VTI, Pul ET, differently from the gender, that had no influence on the evaluated parameters. The comparison of aortic and pulmonary valves flow demonstrated AO PV and AO MV higher than Pul PV and Pul MV, respectively, AO VTI higher than Pul VTI, and Pul AT higher than AO AT.

Avaliação ecocardiográfica do átrio esquerdo de cães sadios por meio do modo-M convencional e do modo bidimensional

The left atrium (LA) was evaluated through the bidimensional method (2-D) (short axis) and the relation left atrium:aorta (LA:Ao) in a group of 40 healthy adult dogs between 1.5 and 7 years of age and weights ranging from 3.2 to 38.3kg, and these values were compared to those in the conventional M-mode. Comparing the variable LA and Ao with the two methods and their respective indexes, significant statistical difference was observed (P<0,001), high positive correlation between the weight and LA-2D and LAM, between body surface and LA-2D and LAM. A difference between LA and Ao in both methods and these respective indicators were observed. The association was higly positive between weight and body surface area (BSA) and between M- mode LA (LAM) and 2-D mode LA (LA-2D). No correlation was observed between these indicators and weight and BSA, in both methods, so these indicators are weight and BSA-independent. Conclusions: LA-2D is bigger than LAM, the LA-2D:Ao-2D average index is 1,379 and the confidence interval is 1,337 to 1,422. The index in the 2-D method is, therefore, superior to the index in the M-mode.

Padronização de parâmetros eletrocardiográficos de cães da raça Golden Retriever clinicamente sadios

The Duchennes muscular dystrophy (DMD) in humans is a X-linked neuromuscular disease, of recessive character, caused either by the absence or dysfunction of the dystrophin. Clinically, it is characterized by severe alteration in the skeletal musculature, resulting in precocious death. In Golden Retriever dogs, the mutation that takes to the muscular dystrophy happens spontaneously and the extensive homology among the pathogenesis of DMD and of Golden Retriever muscular dystrophy allows to qualify the dog as the main substitute of humans in the clinical tests of new therapies. The deficient myocardium in distrofin is more vulnerable to the pressure overload and the patients with DMD can develop dilated cardiomyopathy, arterial hypertension and the electrocardiogram can come distinctly abnormal. In the present study, 38 healthy Golden Retriever dogs were evaluated by electrocardiographic exam with the purpose to obtain parameters for the standardization of the electrocardiogram in the referred breed, what hereafter can serve as reference in the identification of bearer or affected dogs. Electrocardiographic values obtained were within normal values and reference for the various breeds of dogs, and the variables weight and age significantly altered heart rate and amplitude of the QRS complex.

Monitorização eletrocardiográfica ambulatorial por 24-horas em cães com cardiomiopatia dilatada idiopática

This study aimed to characterize 24-hour ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring (Holter monitoring) in dogs with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. Physical examination and indirect (Doppler) blood pressure measurement, and also electrocardiography, thoracic radiography, echocardiography, and 24-hour ambulatory electrocardiographic exams were performed in 40 dogs with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. Ventricular extrasystoles were detected in 97.5% of the animals, and ventricular tachycardia in 45%. No correlation between the number of ventricular extrasystoles and the shortening fraction was observed. Concerning the clinical symptoms, there was only association between the presence of ventricular tachycardia and past report of syncope. It was concluded that the incidence of ventricular arrhythmias is high in dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy, being ventricular tachycardia, mostly non-sustained, relatively frequent.

Comparative study of 4 echocardiographic methods of left ventricular measurement in German Shepherd dogs.

OBJECTIVES To compare dimensions and shortening fraction (SF) of the left ventricle (LV) obtained from two-dimensional (2D) and M-mode imaging of short and long-axis views. ANIMALS 40 healthy, adult German Shepherd dogs. METHODS Left ventricular measurements were obtained using 4 echocardiographic methods: M-mode in short and long-axis and 2D imaging in short and long-axis. The methods were compared by studying the effects of imaging mode and axis on LV parameters, taking into account the influence of weight and gender. RESULTS Mean LV end-diastolic diameter was greater in short-axis views. However, this difference was not considered clinically relevant. Mean SF was higher when derived from 2D measurements with poor agreement among methods. A combined influence of axis, gender, and weight was observed on interventricular septal thickness in end diastole with poor agreement among methods. CONCLUSIONS Some LV parameters were significantly affected by mode and axis, either in isolation or in combination with weight and gender, although the differences observed were not always clinically relevant. These findings show that using the different echocardiographic methods interchangeably to assess LV dimensions should be done with caution.

Myocardial velocities obtained by pulsed tissue Doppler in English Cocker Spaniels with dilated cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure

ABSTRACT.- Pereira G.G., Goldfeder G.T., Yamaki F.L., Oliveira V.M.C. & Larsson M.H.M.A. 2016. Myocardial velocities obtained by pulsed tissue Doppler in English Cocker Spaniels with dilated cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure. Pesquisa Veteri-naria Brasileira 36(9):851-856 . Departamento de Clinica Medica, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinaria e Zootecnia, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Av. Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, Sao Paulo, SP 05508-900, Brazil. E-mail: ggpereira2002@yahoo.com.brDilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is characterized by systolic myocardial dysfunction which is identified by low myocardial velocities obtained by pulsed tissue Doppler (PTD). However, increased preload is known to increase myocardial velocities which could ove-restimate myocardial function and turn dysfunction characterization into a challenge in dogs with DCM and congestive heart failure. To test the hypothesis that increased preload could hamper identification of low myocardial velocities in dogs with DCM and congestive heart failure the present study prospectively evaluated 32 English Cocker Spaniel dogs, being 16 with clinical DCM and 16 healthy for control purpose. The PTD analysis of regional velocities were performed in both longitudinal and radial myocardial displacements and systolic (Sm), early (Em) and late diastolic (Am) velocities were obtained in left ventricu-lar free wall (LVFW) and interventricular septum (IVS). Peak radial subendocardial and subepicardial Sm velocities were lower in DCM group compared to control (0.065±0.018 vs. 0.102±0.020m/s and 0.059±0.014 vs. 0.094±0.025m/s respectively; p<0.001). Peak longitudinal Sm velocities were lower in basal and medial portions of LVFW (0.093±0.034 vs. 0.155±0.034m/s and 0.091±0.033 vs. 0.134±0.037m/s respectively; p<0.001) and IVS (0.063±0.021 vs. 0.136±0.039 and 0.066±0.026 vs. 0.104±0.032m/s respectively; p<0.001). Most of diastolic velocities were not significantly different between groups, although ad-vanced myocardial disease and dysfunction are expected in DCM group. Reduction in sys-tolic basal and medial longitudinal myocardial velocities and in radial myocardial velocities was the most significant PTD findings. Increased preload did not represent a problem to evaluate systolic dysfunction by PTD in English Cocker Spaniels with DCM, but influence of preload on assessment of diastolic velocities should be better elucidated.

Valor prognóstico da variabilidade da frequência cardíaca e da eletrocardiografia ambulatorial em cães Boxer com cardiomiopatia arritmogênica do ventrículo direito

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is an important cause of sudden death in Boxer dogs. Validation of prognostic factors for this disease could help in detecting more severely affected animals and their exclusion from breeding programs. The aims of this study were to evaluate the prognostic significance of presence of symptoms, heart rate variability (HRV) indices and ventricular or supraventricular arrhythmias recorded by Holter monitoring on survival of Boxer dogs with ARVC at different stages. Symptoms, arrhythmias registered on Holter and five HRV indices were prospectively analyzed in 69 client-owned Boxer dogs divided into five groups: control Boxer dogs (CB group, 300 VPC/24 hours, n=19), Boxers with ARVC and systolic dysfunction without congestive heart failure (SDB without CHF group, n=6) and with CHF (SDB with CHF group, n=8). Statistical analyses consisted of an ANOVA test, Pearson correlation and Coxs proportional hazards regression. Compared to the CB group, no decrease in HRV indices was found in SB, ARVCB or SDB without CHF groups; otherwise, SDB with CHF group had impaired indices. No relation was found between HRV indices and cardiac-related death, but the presence of syncopes with or without clinical signs of heart failure and number of ventricular tachycardia (VT), were correlated with survival. These results allow us to conclude that the presence of symptoms of heart failure, presence of syncopes and number of VT on Holter examination seem to have prognostic value in Boxer ARVC.