Morphology and amplitude values of the electrocardiogram of Spanish-bred horses of different ages in the Dubois leads system.

The research investigates the changes in form and amplitude of electrocardiogram readings in Spanish-bred horses of varying ages, using the Dubois leads system. The analysis shows that the system effectively detects electrocardiographic changes in horses as they grow, thereby providing standard values for these horses at different stages of growth.

Research Aim and Methodology

• The researchers aimed to study the applicability of the Dubois leads system in tracking changes in the electrocardiographic tracings of Spanish-bred horses as they grow. The sensitivity of this system to physiological changes was also analyzed.
• The study incorporated 179 healthy Spanish-bred horses of different ages (from newborns to adults). There were 98 females and 81 males in the sample.
• One electrocardiogram (ECG) was recorded from each horse in this study using the Dubois leads system.

Key Findings

• The study noticed that the P wave often demonstrated a bifid shape deflection (two peaks) more frequently than a simple one in horses that were 4 months or older.
• The study found significant differences in the amplitude of the P2 component and the amplitude of the simple positive wave between two age groups: animals up to 3 months of age and those older than 2 years displayed the highest amplitudes, while the remainder showed the lowest.
• Significant variations were also discovered in the QS amplitude between horses aged 1 month and those in all other age groups.
• However, no clear distribution was identified for the amplitude of the T wave among different age groups.

Conclusion

• The study concluded that in the Spanish-bred horse, up to 1 month of age, the form and amplitude of the QRS complex in the Dubois leads system differed from those of older animals.
• The research demonstrated the sensitivity of the Dubois leads system in detecting changes in the electrocardiographic profiles of growing Spanish-bred horses.
• This research aids in establishing standard values for ECG parameters for Spanish-bred horses at various stages of their growth, contributing to broader equine healthcare practices and veterinary diagnostics.