Open Access
Research (Published online: 18-11-2022)
13. Comparative study of electrocardiographic parameters in calves born after eutocia versus dystocia
Julia Nowak, Jessica Joerling, Marlene Sickinger, and Axel Wehrend
Veterinary World, 15(11): 2603-2610

Julia Nowak: Clinic for Veterinary Obstetrics, Gynaecology, and Andrology for Large and Small Animals with Ambulance Service, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University Gießen, Frankfurter Straße 106, 35392 Giessen, Germany.
Jessica Joerling: Clinic for Ruminants, Justus-Liebig-University Gießen, Frankfurter Straße 104, 35392 Gießen, Germany.
Marlene Sickinger: Clinic for Ruminants, Justus-Liebig-University Gießen, Frankfurter Straße 104, 35392 Gießen, Germany.
Axel Wehrend: Clinic for Veterinary Obstetrics, Gynaecology, and Andrology for Large and Small Animals with Ambulance Service, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University Gießen, Frankfurter Straße 106, 35392 Giessen, Germany.

doi: www.doi.org/10.14202/vetworld.2022.2603-2610

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Article history: Received: 26-05-2022, Accepted: 04-10-2022, Published online: 18-11-2022

Corresponding author: Axel Wehrend

E-mail: axel.wehrend@vetmed.uni-giessen.de

Citation: Nowak J, Joerling J, Sickinger M, and Wehrend A (2022) Comparative study of electrocardiographic parameters in calves born after eutocia versus dystocia, Veterinary World, 15(11): 2603–2610.
Abstract

Background and Aim: The mortality rate of perinatal calves is high, particularly in dystocia cases. Besides detectable conditions such as trauma or amniotic fluid aspiration, the potential salience of cardiological diseases in neonatal bovine deaths has received little attention. This study aimed to compare the electrocardiographic parameters of calves born under conditions of dystocia and eutocia.

Materials and Methods: Electrocardiographic, clinical, and laboratory diagnostic examinations were performed during the first 5 days of life on 40 calves. Of them, 20 calves were born under conditions of dystocia and 20 of eutocia.

Results: Electrocardiograms (ECGs) did not show detectable arrhythmias in all calves. Both groups exhibited tachycardia on their first ECGs. The QT and ST interval durations developed differently over time in both groups, suggesting that these may be related to conditions of birth.

Conclusion: The electrocardiographic differences between calves born of dystocia and eutocia could be a factor in the increased mortality rate of calves born of dystocia.

Keywords: birth, bovine, electrocardiogram, neonate.