Maria Ferrara

Dr. Maria Ferrara


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

3Years (2024-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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18 June 2024 in Animals
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MLMirella Lopedote
Mirella Lopedote
AAAnnarita Amodio
Annarita Amodio
MFMaria Ferrara
Maria Ferrara
FSFrancesca Sciutto
Francesca Sciutto
MRMaria Stella Rigo
Maria Stella Rigo
GSGiuseppe Spinella
Giuseppe Spinella
The aim of this study was to observe electric cardiac activity in real working conditions, with the application of Holter and the electrocardiogram in search and rescue dogs. Thirty-one handlers of search and rescue dogs voluntarily participated in this study. Nine dogs were selected to wear the Holter, and twenty-three were submitted to electrocardiographic recordings (one dog, excluded by Holter examination, was then included in the ECG group). Our results showed few cardiac rhythm alterations, such as escape beats, premature ventricular beat, and depression and elevation of the ST segment, particularly during the working phase in the Holter group and during recovery time immediately after activity in the electrocardiographic group. Detected alterations in real working conditions may provide more information than routine checks, and Holter monitoring can be more functional. However, not all dogs tolerate wearing the Holter harness, and more time is thus needed to apply the equipment. In addition, the results are not immediate, and the absence of water is essential because it would damage the equipment.