Investigation of the effects of age, sex and season on electrocardiographs (ECG values) and heart radiographs of healthy Van cats

摘要

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of age, sex and season change on electrocardiograms of Van cats. Thirty-eight (male and female) healthy Van cats, 3-15 months old were used. Electrocardiograms (ECGs) and heart radiographs were obtained from cats separately in summer, autumn, winter and spring. ECGs were recorded as bipolar, augmented unipolar and precordial leads (CV6LL, CV6LU, V10). Durations and amplitudes of waves on the trace were measured in lead II and the electrical axisalso measured in leads I and III. Radiographic examination was performed in the right lateral recumbency position (covering the whole thoracic cavity) and the dose of the X-ray beam was 44-47 kV. The duration of P wave was 0.04 s. and its amplitude was0.10 mV-0.12 mV. The PR interval was 0.06-0.08 s. The duration of the QRS complex was 0.03-0.04 s and its amplitude was 0.16 mV-0.5 mV. The duration of the T wave was 0.06-0.09 s. and its amplitude was 0.1 mV-0.15 mV. The duration of the QT interval was0.15-0.18 s. The T wave was negative in all of the aVR leads and in some of leads II, aVL and V4. The mean electrical axis of the cats was +66.5deg to +87.5deg. No significant differences were seen among the groups. The heart rate in the first group was determined by seasons to be 200+-12a, 170+-5.9b, 193.2+-12a and 207.2+-15a beat/minutes (a,b: P < 0.05); in the second group 201+-8.7, 179.8+-5.1, 202.8+-14 and 195.6+-5.2 beat/minutes; in the third group 176.2+-7.7, 170+-7, 186.6+-13 and 193.5+-13 beat/minutes; and inthe fourth group 186.3+-16, 180+-14, 200+-11 and 210+-15 beat/minutes, respectively. According to radiographic examinations, the heart was located 4th-7th and 5th-7th intercostal intervals.