Ukrainian Journal of Veterinary Sciences (Jul 2020)
DIAGNOSTICS OF THE HEART CONDITION IN UKRAINIAN RIDING HORSES WITH A PORTABLE ECG MONITOR
Abstract
Electrocardiographic reference values of clinically healthy horses are needed for assessment of the reduced performance or cardiac pathology animals. The purpose of this study was to establish the rate of occurrence of arrhythmias in clinically healthy horses of the Ukrainian riding breed at rest, during exercises, and the recovery period. The experimental group of animals included 36 horses of age 3–17 years, 16 mares (adult female horses), 11 geldings (castrated males), and 9 stallions (adult males). The electrodes were placed with a modified base-apex system on the surface of animals’ bodies. ECG recording was performed at rest (15 minutes), during exercises and the recovery period for 30–40 and 15 minutes, respectively. Prevalence and frequency of occurrence of arrhythmias were analysed with obtained recordings. A significant number of the second-degree atrioventricular blocks were detected in 13.9% cases (n = 5) during the recovery period. 33.3% (n = 2), 8.3% (n = 3), and 19.4% (n = 7) of cases of supraventricular premature contractions were detected during exercises, at rest, and during the recovery period, respectively. The incidence of supraventricular premature contractions was < 3/animal and < 5/animal during exercises, and recovery period, respectively; with the exception of one animal in which 9 and 7 premature contractions were detected, respectively. Ventricular premature contractions were identified in 2.7% (n = 1) and 5.6% (n = 2) cases, at rest and exercises, respectively. Supraventricular tachycardia with 6–9 consecutive premature contractions during trot was detected in 1 horse (2.7%). The results of this study have confirmed the presence of arrhythmias in clinically healthy horses. The type of arrhythmias significantly depends on the period (rest, exercises, and recovery) of the animal’s activity, particularly
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