Electrocardiogram of the African grey (psittacus erithacus) and Amazon (Amazonaspp.) parrot

Abstract

SUMMARYElectrocardiographic reference values and configurations were established in apparently healthy African grey (Psittacus erithacus; n=45) and Amazon (Amazona spp.; n = 37) parrots, using standard limb leads. In 31 of the African grey parrots and 32 of the Amazon parrots electrocardiograms were made during isoflurane-anaesthesia. Significant differences between anaesthetized and unanaesthetized birds were found only for the median heart rate and QTinterval (P<0.05). Significant differences between the two genera were found for the duration of the P-and T-waves, the voltage of the T-wave and for the mean electrical axis.Sinus arrhythmias and ventricular premature beats were present in 5 to 10% of the tracings.

Analysis of Electrocardiographic Parameters in the Conscious Common Pheasants (Phasianus colchicus)

“…In our study, the ST segment was almost identifiable in all tracings, and ST slurring was found in only one tracing. In agreement with previous ECG studies on other bird species [14,16,33,35] , the ST segment mainly appeared elevated over baseline.…”

“…A normal sinus rhythm was assessed in all pheasants and no remarkable arrhythmia was found in our study in contrast with other studies on anesthetized birds [14,15] . The mean heart rates of male and female pheasants were similar and were 194 bpm and 236 bpm, respectively.…”

“…Anesthetics can alter ECG values by changing heart rate and QT interval [14,25] ; hence no anesthetic or tranquilizing agents were applied in this study. Instead, ECGs were recorded in conscious pheasants by covering birds` heads with a thin and dark-colored cloth.…”

“…Some authors reported the fusion of P and T waves (P on T phenomenon) in various avian species possibly due to high heart rates [14,25,33] . We did not observe this phenomenon most likely because compared to the birds in the previously mentioned studies the pheasants in this study had lower HRs.…”

“…The findings of ECG are commonly used in the accurate cardiac diagnosis in various bird species such as chicken [2][3][4][5] , turkey [6][7][8] , quail [4,9,10] , duck [2,11] , pigeon [2,12,13] , parrot [14] , and other species [15][16][17] . Electrocardiography is also used in monitoring cardiac and vital status during the anesthesia in birds [18][19][20][21] .…”