The electrocardiogram of anaesthetized Southern Sea Lion (Otaria flavescens) females

DASSIS, MARIELA; RODRÍGUEZ, DIEGO; RODRÍGUEZ, EDGARDO; PONCE DE LEÓN, A; CASTRO, EDUARDO

JOURNAL OF VETERINARY CARDIOLOGY

Elsevier

Lugar: Amsterdam; Año: 2016

1760-2734

Objectives: The goal of this study was to characterize for the first time the electrocardiogram (ECG) of the southern sea lion (SSL) Otaria flavescens. Animals, materials and methods: Thirteen wild SSL females were captured at Isla de Lobos (Uruguay) and anesthetized with isofluorane. ECG recording was performed on anaesthetized animals at ventral recumbence following standardized procedures.Results: The ECG recordings showed normal sinus rhythm. Amplitude and duration of P and T waves, QRS complex, PR interval (PRi), QT interval (QTi) and ST segment (STs) were determined for all animals in all leads. QT corrected (QTc) was determined in lead II. P wave polarity was consistent among animals (positive in LI, LII, LIII and AVF leads and negative in AVL and AVR leads for all animals), but T wave polarity did not present any constant pattern among animals, being either positive, negative or biphasic in different leads and different animals. The PRi (0.15 ± 0.2 sec) was similar to the allometric prediction for most of mammalian species including humans. The STs were normal in 10 of the SSL but showed STs depression in 3 of the animals. Almost all animals had a negative electrical axis (-30 to -120°), with one exception that showed a positive electrical axis (120°). Mean eupneic heart rate (HR) was 104.61 ± 10.06 (range = 88-120) beats per minute (bpm).Conclusions: This study was the first ECG description for this species, and provides valuable information for cardiac monitoring during anaesthesia.