The Effect of Varying Dietary Magnesium on the Electrocardiogram and Blood Electrolytes of Dogs.

Abstract

This study is concerned with the effects of varying the dietary levels of magnesium on body weight, blood electrolytes and electrocardiogram in the dog. Animals were fed purified diets containing varying levels of magnesium and potassium salts. A lowered intake of dietary magnesium resulted in a significant decrease in the serum potassium levels with a consequent peaking of the T waves. When the serum magnesium levels decreased to 0.8 mg% or less these electrocardiographic changes usually appeared.