Determination of Normal Electrocardiographic Reference Values in Long-Eared Hedgehogs (Hemiechinus auritus)

A total of 10 healthy anesthetized long-eared hedgehogs (Hemiechinus auritus) were used to determine normal electrocardiographic reference values for this species. Each animal was anesthetized with intramuscular ketamine and diazepam. Standard 6-lead electrocardiography (leads I, II, III, aVR, aVL, and aVF) were obtained in hedgehogs positioned in right lateral recumbency. All recorded rhythms were regular sinus rhythm and the mean heart rate was 264 ± 53 beats per minute. Mean electrical axis was between −19° and +6° in the entire study population (mean ± standard deviation; −6 ± 10°). The P wave was always positive on lead I, II, and aVF. There was no correlation between electrocardiographic values, sex, and weight of the animals. Mean heart rate in this species was slightly higher than in African hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris) and less than in the Amur hedgehogs (Erinaceus amurensis). QT interval was slightly higher than in both the Amur and African hedgehogs. Mean electrical axis in long-eared hedgehogs showed a left axis shift compared with the African hedgehogs.