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Larsson, M.H.M.A.; Coelho, F.M.; Oliveira, V.M.C.; Yamaki, F.L.; Pereira, G.G.; Soares, E.C.; Fedullo, J.D.L.; Pereira, R.C.; Ito, F.H.
Electrocardiographic parameters of captive lions and tigers immobilized with ketamine plus xylazine
2008  Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine (39): 314-319

Twenty-seven healthy captive lions (_Panthera leo_) and 13 healthy captive tigers (_Panthera tigris_) from SÆo Paulo Zoo (Funda‡Æo Parque Zool¢gico de SÆo Paulo, SÆo Paulo, Brazil) collection were selected for this study. They were anesthetized with ketamine (10 mg/kg) combined with xylazine (1-2 mg/kg) for physical examinations, hematologic and serum chemical analysis and electrocardiogram recording. The main aim of this research was to gather initial information about normal electrocardiographic parameters of large felids. Standard P-QRS-T deflections on leads described for domestic carnivores were analyzed, and they did not greatly differ from those of large felids, taking into account the greater weight and corporal mass of large felids. Heart rate of lions ranged from 42 to 76 beats per minute (bpm). Heart rate of tigers ranged from 56 to 97 bpm. In both species, the most common rhythm detected was normal sinus rhythm followed by sinus arrhythmia; wandering pacemaker was also observed with normal sinus rhythm or sinus arrhythmia. Mean electrical axis lay between +60ø and +120ø. QRS complexes were predominantly positive in leads DI, DII, DIII, and AVF, and negative in AVR and AVL. This study provides insights into normal electrocardiograms of large felids. Wider investigations on the same subject are necessary to establish criteria for the recognition of abnormalities in these species and should include other anesthetic drug(s) combinations and reports of electrocardiographic features of animals with cardiac disease and electrolytes disturbances.

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