ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHIC PROFILE OF CAPTIVE RETICULATED PYTHONS (Python reticulatus)

Abstract

Philipp J Vet Anim Sci 2011, 37 (2): 187-194

The electrocardiographic (ECG) measurements of 12 captive reticulated pythons (Python reticulatus Schneider, 1801), five males and seven females, weighing 2.6 to 5 kg, were collected using a base-apex lead system to gather data on heart rate and ECG waveforms. Active leads were placed two heart-lengths cranial and caudal to the heart. Measurements obtained were compared based on gender, body weight, body length and girth. Results revealed an inverse correlation between heart rate and body weight; S-wave height and body length; and S-wave height and girth. No significant differences were observed between heart rates of males and females. The results of this study can be used as reference to assist in the diagnosis of cardiac diseases and abnormalities in the reticulated python.