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OBJECTIVE: To compare multiple noninvasive ECG methods in pond sliders based upon repeatability, ability to recognize standard waveforms, and measurability. METHODS: The study was performed from November 2023 through January 2024. Ten healthy adult pond turtles were enrolled in the study. ECG tracings were obtained using 4 previously reported and 1 novel ECG methodology, using adhesive patches applied to the prehumeral fossae and abdominal scutes. The 50 ECG tracings were blinded by method and turtle, randomized for evaluation by 4 observers, and assessed for quality on a scale from 0 to 3. RESULTS: Interobserver and intraobserver intraclass correlation coefficients for all tracings were 0.84 and 0.97, respectively, indicating an almost perfect agreement. The average score amongst the observers for each tracing was then averaged by method, ranging from 0.875 to 2.15. The novel method demonstrated a collective average of 2.15 and was the highest scoring method for 8 of 10 turtles. CONCLUSIONS: Electrocardiogram utilizing methods that apply adhesive patches to the prehumeral fossae and either the abdominal scutes of the plastron or prefemoral fossae in pond turtles can be performed to produce recognizable waveforms. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Diagnostic tools, such as ECGs, are imperative to enhance veterinary care in nonconventional species, particularly with the rising trend of exotic pets worldwide.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Effects of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors enalapril and telmisartan on circulating RAAS in dogs with proteinuric chronic kidney disease (pCKD) are undescribed. OBJECTIVES: To characterize the RAAS in untreated dogs with pCKD compared to healthy, life-stage- and sex-matched controls, and in dogs with pCKD after 30 days of treatment with enalapril or telmisartan. ANIMALS: Dogs with pCKD (n = 36) and healthy controls (n = 20). METHODS: Retrospective study of banked samples and previously collected data. Day 0 serum equilibrium concentrations of angiotensin I, II, III, IV, 1-5, and 1-7, and aldosterone, and urinary aldosterone-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) from pCKD dogs were compared to values on day 30 of treatment with enalapril (0.5 mg/kg PO q12) or telmisartan (1 mg/kg PO q24h) and to those of healthy dogs. Data were analyzed using linear mixed models. RESULTS: Compared with healthy dogs, pCKD dogs had significantly higher Ang I, III, 1-5, and 1-7 concentrations, and UACR. Relative to pretreatment values, day 30 Ang II concentrations were significantly increased and decreased in telmisartan- and enalapril-treated pCKD dogs, respectively (both P < .001). Mean (95% confidence interval) percentage change from pretreatment value in serum Ang 1-7 concentration was significantly greater in telmisartan- (753% [489%-1134%]) versus enalapril-treated (149% [69%-268%]) dogs (P < .001). Serum aldosterone decreased with treatment (P = .02 for enalapril, P < .001 for telmisartan), with no difference between groups at day 30. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Circulating RAAS activity is higher in dogs with pCKD. Compared with enalapril, treatment with telmisartan caused significantly greater increases in the presumed beneficial peptide Ang 1-7.