Interpretation of
the Normal and Abnormal ECG
The purpose of this program is
to aid in the interpretation of the normal and abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG) of various
veterinary species under anesthesia. In the case of abnormal rhythms, it is
important to determine if the arrhythmia represents a detriment to the animal and, if so,
the necessary steps needed to correct the arrhythmia. The material here follows the
lectures given by Dr. Klein in Course VSUR602 (formerly 8002).
This program begins with a short
review/tutorial, which includes lead placement, significance of ECG complexes, normal
values for various species, and explanations of various arrhythmias. The second part
of the program is a case-by-case approach to abnormal ECGs of veterinary patients under
anesthesia. You will be asked questions relating to a particular ECG strip, which
will require you to understand the information given in the first section of the program.
Throughout the program, you will be able to refer to the first section of the
program for help. But, try to be thorough in your first examination of the
ECG. It is easy to miss subtle details.
Learning to read an ECG takes PRACTICE
and is much easier to do when you can move at your own pace. So take your time, have
fun, and don't get frustrated!
BEGIN (takes
you through the tutorial)
The
above appears on several pages of the tutorial section. By clicking on it, you can
view an ECG image along with a brief explanation. When you reach the linked page,
you will find two independent frames: the one above with text and the one below with the
ECG image. You will need to use the scroll bars for each
frame to view the page properly.
Animated ECG image © 1996 TripleStar Systems, Inc. All rights
reserved.