1996 Volume 49 Issue 3 Pages 154-158
One hundred and seventy-eight cows with various abomasal disorders were examined for cardiac arrhythmias and electrocardiography. Sinus arrhythmia with a significantly lower heart rate was observed in7.3% and 5.4% of cases with the left and right abomasal displacement, respectively. The occurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF)(17.4%) and supraventricular premature contraction (SVPC)(13.0%) was higher in cases with abomasal volvulus than in cases with left abomasal displacement. Cases with abomasal volvulus showed higher voltages of P, S and T waves, which were normalized within 2-3 days of postoperation in accordance with rehydration and recovery of serum potassium level. In AF and SVPC cases, dehydration score and heart rate were higher and serum potassium concentration was lower than in cases with normal sinus rhythm.