Use of AliveCor Heart Monitor for Heart Rate and Rhythm Evaluation in Dairy Water Buffalo Calves (Bubalis Bubalis)

Research into the application of electrocardiography in buffaloes has been lacking when compared to other species. However, identification of altered health states, whether for identification of healthy animals or for the measurement of treatment effects is vital for research. Several electrocardiogram (ECG) changes were shown to occur in buffaloes naturally infected with Theileria annulata including atrial premature beat, sinus tachycardia, sinus arrhythmia, and first degree AV block [1]. Similarly, significant changes in ECG amplitudes and intervals can be seen in buffaloes undergoing medetomidine-butorphanol and midazolam-butorphanol premedication for anesthesia [2]. Arrythmias such as wandering pacemaker and sinus tachycardia have been reported in buffaloes undergoing ketamine anesthesia [3], demonstrating the need for ECG monitoring of bubaline surgical patients. Instrumentation that can allow for easy investigation of cardiac parameters is lacking for water buffaloes, as currently only traditional stand-alone ECG units have been reported in the literature.