The electrocardiogram of anaesthetized southern sea lion (Otaria flavescens) females

DASSIS, M; RODRÍGUEZ, D; RODRÍGUEZ, E; PONCE DE LEÓN, A; CASTRO, E

Journal of veterinary cardiology

Elsevier

Lugar: Blacburg, VA; Año: 2016 vol. 18 p. 71 - 78

1760-2734

Objectives: The goal of this study was to characterize for the first timethe electrocardiogram (ECG) of the southern sea lion (SSL) Otaria flavescens.Animals, materials and methods: Thirteen wild SSL females were captured at Islade Lobos (Uruguay) and anaesthetized with isoflurane. Electrocardiographic recordingwas performed on anaesthetized animals at ventral recumbence following standardizedprocedures.Results: The ECG recordings showed normal sinus rhythm. Amplitude and durationof P and T waves, QRS complex, PR interval, QT interval and ST segment (STS) weredetermined for all animals in all leads. QT corrected was determined in lead II. Pwave polarity was consistent among animals (positive in LI, LII, LIII and AVF leadsand negative in AVL and AVR leads for all animals), but T wave polarity did not presentany constant pattern among animals, being either positive, negative or biphasicin different leads and different animals. The PR interval (0.15 0.2 s) wassimilar 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 threeof the animals. Almost all animals had a negative electrical axis (30 to 120),with one exception that showed a positive electrical axis (120). Mean eupnoeicheart rate was 104.61 10.06 (range ¼ 88e120) beats per minute.Conclusions: This study was the first ECG description for this species, and providesvaluable information for cardiac monitoring during anaesthesia.