In order to assess the configuration of the electrocardiogram (ECG) at rest obtained through computerized electrocardiography and the effects of exercise on clinical and electrocardiographic parameters, 24 healthy male Pure-bred adult Lusitano horses submitted to daily trot and gallop training were studied. Physical evaluation and cardiac rhythm were evaluated before and immediately after exercise, as well the different p waves and QRS complexes, obtained from rest ECG. Tachycardia and tachypnea were observed after training. The predominant rest rhythm was sinus rhythm and, after exercise, sinus tachycardia. In the wave morphology, four distinct configurations were found for the p wave, and six different settings for the QRS complex. Second degree atrioventricular block was observed once during rest, and it disappeared after exercise. In conclusion, computerized ECG in Pure-bred Lusitano horses reveals distinct morphologies of p waves and QRS complexes, and cardiac arrhythmias were rare.
equine; computerized electrocardiography; clinical evaluation; physical exercise
