EN
The aim of the study was the analysis of electrocardiographic and echocardiographic parameters in Rhodesian ridgebacks. A group of 16 Rhodesian (9 females, 7 males) in age ranges from 2 to 9 (6.2 ± 2.91) and weighing from 38kg to 56kg (44.66 ±5.78) were divided into two groups based on thyroid hormone concentration in their blood. The first group consists of 12 healthy Rhodesian ridgebacks (8 females, 4 males), and the second of 4 dogs with hypothyroidism (3 females, 1 male). Data obtained from ECG and echocardiographic examination was gathered in a computer database and submitted for analysis. The reference values were determined for ECG and echocardiographic parameters. The difference between groups was evaluated with the U Mann-Whitney test. Analyses were conducted at a significance level of p < 0.05. There was no statistically significant difference between groups. In electrocardiograms a wide range of T wave polymorphism was observed. In group I 33.3% of the dogs had a positive T wave, 33.3% biphasic, and 33.4% negative, whereas in group II 75% of Rhodesian ridgebacks were characterized by a positive T wave and 25% by biphasic. P wave duration (57.69 ± 10.85) was longer in contrast to the normal value for big species of dogs. QRS wave (67.67 ± 21.70 ms) also exceeded reference ranges. Parameters which could be markers of supraventricular or ventricular arrhythmia in Rhodesian ridgebacks have the following values: Pd – 21.25 ± 3.83 ms, QTc – 259.85 ± 17.12 ms, Tp-Te – 34.26 ± 12.62 ms. Echocardiographic measurements were quite similar to those in other breeds of dogs with a deep thorax and were within reference values determined on the basis of weight ranges.