Abstract:
The electrocardiogram (ECG) is an essential tool for graphically recording the electrical
activities of the heart, fundamental in evaluating rhythm and heart rate. It records the
average electrical potential generated by the heart during each heartbeat. The ECG is
especially indicated for the diagnosis of arrhythmias and abnormalities detected during
physical examination, cardiac auscultation, and in situations such as complaints of
epilepsy and exercise intolerance. In this study, 28 dogs of different breeds and ages
were used for routine cardiac evaluation and as a pre-surgical complementary
examination, aiming to better choose the drug to be used. Of the 28 animals analyzed,
78% showed changes in the electrocardiographic tracing. In the electrocardiographic
examination, the amplitude of the T wave was evaluated and, in order to verify changes
in electrical conductivity, it was observed whether the rhythm of the electrocardiograms
was sinus and whether each P wave was followed by a QRS complex. In addition, the
amplitude and duration of the P wave in addition the duration of the QRS intervals.
