Electrocardiographic values in cats with different body weights

Abstract

For the interpretation of the electrocardiographic parameters, standard values of amplitude and duration of the electrocardiographic waves are used, according to the normality patterns described for the species. These values may vary according to the weight and size of dogs, however, in cats the values are generic and do not take into account these characteristics. The aim of this study was to compare the electrocardiographic parameters of cats with different body weights in order to verify if there is variation in relation to the standard values considered for the species. Sixty-four cats with ideal body condition score (BCS) and no evidence of any clinical disease were evaluated. After selection, the animals were divided into two groups, 25 cats weighing 4 kg or less and 25 cats weighing more than 4 kg. The electrocardiographic values were compared between the groups by means of the Mann-Whitney test, with 5% significance. A descriptive analysis was also performed, comparing the values found with the standard of normality for the species established in the literature. A significant increase of the PR segment was observed in the cats of group 2 and alteration in the cardiac electrical axis. It is concluded that the value of PR is higher in heavier animals and the other electrocardiographic parameters do not vary between cats weighing 4 kg or less and cats weighing between 4 and 6 kg.