Clinical, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic parameters in Pega donkeys are scarce in the literature; hence, this study was performed to describe the echocardiographic and electrocardiographic measurements in Pega breed donkeys. The objectives of this study were to describe and illustrate the clinical, electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic parameters in Pega donkeys used for reproduction. Fifty Pega breed donkeys were evaluated, with an average age of 3.4 years and with 20 males and 30 females. In each animal, the electrocardiographic examination at rest was performed using the TEB^® computerized system, and the echocardiographic examination was performed using an ultrasound device with a Doppler function multifrequency sectorial transducer in 2D mode (Sonosite^® M turbo). Standardizing the electrocardiographic and echocardiographic parameters for the Pega breed donkey can contribute to future assessments regarding possible changes that excessive effort can promote in these parameters to a management engrossed on animal welfare.

The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of the autonomic nervous system on cardiovascular function during the first 35 days of life in different types of delivery, using heart rate variability (HRV) indices. Thirty newborns were equally divided into two groups based on delivery type: eutocic delivery (EG) and emergency cesarean section (CG). Electrocardiographic evaluation was performed at birth (T0), 24 h postpartum (T1), and at 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 days of life (T2 to T6). Physical parameters, neonatal reflexes, and Apgar scores were recorded. Over 35 days, the values of the time domain indices were higher in the GE group and increased with age. In the frequency domain, the low frequency (LF) index was higher in the CG, and the opposite occurred for the high frequency (HF) index. Since the CG presented lower HRV than the EG, it was shown that the type of delivery should be considered for the assessment of autonomic nervous system activity in neonates. Thus, as predictive factors of vitality, HRV and Apgar scores can help in the face of neonatal depression, demonstrating that delivery by emergency cesarean section can predispose newborns to delays in the autonomic influence on the heart.

Obstructive feline lower urinary tract disease (OFLUTD) is the most common complication of the urinary system, as metabolic and electrolyte changes can alter the functioning of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The objective of this study was to describe the indices of heart rate variability (HRV) and their correlations with the observed alterations in Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) and electrocardiographic, biochemical, and haemogasometric indices in cats diagnosed with OFLUTD. Sixty-five male cats up to 10 years of age were divided into two groups. The control group (CG) was composed of 25 healthy cats, and the obstructed group (OG) consisted of 40 cats with OFLUTD. The OG was evaluated by electrocardiography and blood pressure at four different time points. In the CG, electrocardiographic evaluation and SBP measurement were performed. A comparison of the HRV between the CG and OG (M0) revealed differences in the SDNN (standard deviation of all normal RR-NN) parameters (sympathetic and parasympathetic tone) and in the rMSSD (parasympathetic tone); there was a difference in the SBP, which was greater in the CG. There were higher rates in the CG. The HF and HR were greater in OG. The HRV serves as a preventive tool and predicts the severity of OFLUTD in patients due to an imbalance in the ANS.

This study aims at determining the echocardiographic, radiographic and tomographic parameters of blue-fronted Amazon parrots ( Amazona aestiva ) with varying body condition scores. Thirty-five birds grown in captivity were included in the study and allocated into groups according to their respective body condition scores: Lean, Ideal and Obese. The echocardiographic evaluation revealed that obese parrots presented lower right ventricle dimensions in diastole than lean parrots. The fractional shortening was considerably lower in obese parrots than in parrots with lean and ideal body condition scores, but without statistical significance. The flow rate and the aortic pressure gradient were lower in the lean group than in the ideal group. No differences were observed between the groups when comparing the radiographic and tomographic measurements. Therefore, as is the case in mammals, we can conclude that alterations in the nutritional state of blue-fronted amazon parrots lead to cardiovascular dysfunctions detected only through an echocardiographic evaluation, which represents an important diagnostic tool for these animals. Computed tomography scans allowed a better identification of the structures of the cardiovascular system without the overlaying structures of the celomatic cavity observed in radiographic images. However, radiographic examinations should still be considered the standard screening examination to identify cardiac alterations such as increased or reduced organ dimensions. Standardizing the technique and describing the measurements obtained in this study may serve as a basis for further research.

Clinical, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic parameters in Pega donkeys are scarce in literature, hence this study was performed to evaluate the effect of sex and age on echocardiographic and electrocardiographic measurements in the Pega breed donkeys. The objectives of this study were to describe and illustrate the clinical, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic parameters in Pega donkeys. Fifty Pega breed donkeys were evaluated, with an average age of 3.4 years, 20 males and 30 females. Based on their age (younger or older than 6 years), animals were separated into two groups. In each animal the electrocardiographic examination was performed using the TEB® computerized system and the echocardiographic examination was performed using an ultrasound device with a doppler function multifrequency sectorial transducer, in 2D mode. Male echocardiographic measurements were significantly higher than females, except the velocity and pressure gradient of the pulmonary flow, where females had higher values than males. For the electrocardiographic parameters, females presented values of P wave amplitude, R wave amplitude, S wave amplitude and T wave amplitude higher than those found in males. Males had higher values for P wave duration, QRS complex and RR interval. Standardizing the electrocardiographic and echocardiographic parameters for the Pega breed donkey can contribute to future assessments regarding possible changes that excessive effort can promote in these parameters, to a management engrossed on animal welfare. Furthermore, as well as in other species, gender in donkeys should be considered as a factor that influences echocardiographic and electrocardiographic parameters.