Electrocardiogram of Miniature “Shiba” Goats

Abstract

Electrocardiographical characteristics in A-B lead and limb leads were investigated in 49 Shiba goats of both sexes aging 1 to 49 months bred in Stock Farm of Tokyo University. Vectorcardiograms in the heart-orthogonal lead system were also recorded in 4 goats. The results obtained are summarized as follows : 1) ECG in A-B lead along the longitudinal heart axis appeared in the positive P and T waves and the rS or QS type of the QRS complex, and the patterns were much similar to those of a sheep. 2) The ECG patterns in limb leads showed a considerable variation, showing remarkably varied the mean electrical heart axes calculated from standard limb lead I and III. 3) With age in month were observed a prolongation in RR interval and a reduction in the amplitude of S wave in A-B lead. 4) From the vectorcardiograms, the excitation in the ventricles was presumed to be directed from the apex to the heart base.