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Effect of body position on electrocardiographic recordings in dogs
Author(s) -
Stern JA,
Hinchcliff KW,
Constable PD
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
australian veterinary journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.382
H-Index - 59
eISSN - 1751-0813
pISSN - 0005-0423
DOI - 10.1111/avj.12076
Subject(s) - qrs complex , medicine , body position , electrocardiography , cardiology , physical medicine and rehabilitation
Objective To determine whether body position (standing vs right lateral recumbency) altered the quality of the electrocardiogram ( ECG ) and value of ECG variables in dogs when the ECG was recorded using American Heart Association guidelines for frequency response. Design Crossover study using a convenience sample. Methods ECGs were recorded twice in 65 sled dogs in random order with each dog standing or placed in right lateral recumbency. Lead II and three semi‐orthogonal leads ( I , aVF , and V 10 ) were recorded and muscle tremor artefact was assessed. Results Lead II ECGs obtained from dogs in right lateral recumbency had less muscle tremor artefact and consequently a shorter QRS duration than ECGs obtained with the dogs standing. The P , Q , R and S wave amplitudes differed in selected leads and the mean electrical axis was shifted 20° to the right when dogs were in right lateral recumbency. Conclusions Right lateral recumbency improves the quality of ECG recording in dogs by decreasing muscle tremor artefact, alters the amplitude of P , R and S waves in specific leads and results in a rightward shift in the mean electrical axis, relative to standing.