Hallazgos electrocardiográficos en perros con microfilariosis atendidos en la clínica docente de especialidades veterinarias UTMACH 2023.

Abstract

Electrocardiography is a fundamental diagnostic tool in the veterinary clinical field for companion animals. Its application becomes crucial in patients exhibiting clinical manifestations related to the cardiac system, representing the foremost diagnostic option for the non-invasive evaluation of cardiac electrical activity. Microfilariasis in dogs can have various consequences, with one of the most common being the occurrence of cardiovascular problems. When dogs are infected with microfilariae, the parasites lodge in the circulatory system, particularly in the heart and pulmonary blood vessels. This study was conducted to evaluate possible electrocardiographic findings in dogs with microfilariasis treated at the UTMACH Veterinary Specialties Clinic. The results found a prevalence of microfilariasis in 18 dogs, representing 1.1% of the total 1600 animals attended at the UTMACH Veterinary Clinic in 2023. Among the 18 positive dogs, 11 exhibited physiological sinus arrhythmia (61.1%), followed by sinus rhythm in 6 dogs (33.3%), and a single case of ventricular extrasystole (5.6%). No alterations were found in the P wave morphology, but a prolonged P wave duration was observed in two cases (11.1%). Three cases of increased QRS wave amplitude were noted (16.7%). One case showed QRS segment abnormalities (5.6%). Electrical axis deviations were observed, with 11 cases of normoelectric axis (61.1%), 6 cases of right axis deviation (33.3%), and a single case of left axis deviation (5.6%). Additionally, 2 cases of atrioventricular block were recorded (11.1%). The results suggest a variety of manifestations in ECGs of positive dogs, underscoring the importance of comprehensive evaluation to better understand the impact of heart disease.