Use of AliveCor Heart Monitor for Heart Rate and Rhythm Evaluation in Dairy Water Buffalo Calves (Bubalis Bubalis)

Abstract

Smartphone-based ECG recording devices are a promising new diagnostic in veterinary medicine. However, these devices have not yet been demonstrated to work in water buffalo. A commercial, non-invasive, smartphone-based ECG (AliveCor Vet TM) monitoring device was field tested on water buffalo calves. Six neonatal water buffalo calves had an ECG simultaneously recorded with a standard medical ECG recorder and the AliveCor Vet device. A correlation of 0.75053 was observed between average heart rates obtained between AliveCor recordings when compared to those from the 6 lead ECG. 100% Rhythm agreement was met for all 12 recordings. The recordings of 4/6 calves most closely resembled lead aVR, recordings of 2/6 calves more closely resembled lead II. No significant difference was observed between standard and AliveCor quality scores (P=0.3632). We conclude that the AliveCor device allows for accurate rate diagnosis, and accurate diagnosis of a normal sinus rhythm in neonatal diary water buffalo calves in a field setting.

Comparison of Standard Electrocardiography and Smartphone-Based Electrocardiography Recorded at Two Different Anatomic Locations in Healthy Meat and Dairy Breed Does

“…Heart rate was measured manually from printed ECGs for both standard and smartphone ECGs (BA and ST); heart rate as automatically calculated via the smartphone app was also recorded. Complex measurements (amplitudes and durations of all waveforms and intervals) and assessment of cardiac rhythm were performed on standard and smartphone BA ECGs as previously reported (7,8). Additionally, all ECGs were quality scored based on the presence or absence of baseline undulation and tremor artifacts using a three point scoring system (lowest possible = 0; highest possible = 3) previously described for veterinary use (8,9).…”

“…This technique has been described for dairy cattle ( 7 ) as well as dogs ( 13 ). Practitioners should be aware that other techniques for improving skin contact have been described, such as the use of ultrasound gel or clipping of the skin ( 3 , 8 ). It is currently unknown what effect, if any these methods of improving contact have on ECG quality.…”

“…Complex measurements (amplitudes and durations of all waveforms and intervals) and assessment of cardiac rhythm were performed on standard and smartphone BA ECGs as previously reported ( 7 , 8 ). Additionally, all ECGs were quality scored based on the presence or absence of baseline undulation and tremor artifacts using a three point scoring system (lowest possible = 0; highest possible = 3) previously described for veterinary use ( 8 , 9 ). With this system a high quality recording with no baseline wander or small baseline deflections would be scored “0,” a recording with intermittent mild, tremors, or baseline deflection would be scored “1,” a recording with moderate tremors or consistent baseline deflection would be scored “2” and a recording with severe tremor interfering with the interpretation of P and T waves would be scored “3” ( 9 ).…”

“…A heart rate in excess of 110 bpm was considered tachycardic and below 70 was considered bradycardic ( 10 ). Heart rate, and quality scores were compared between standard and smartphone ECGs as previously reported for dairy cattle ( 7 ) and water buffalo calves ( 8 ). Heart rate was manually determined by evaluating the paper ECG, as well as through the app.…”

“…The pairing of smartphone technology with a wireless enabled ECG recorder has resulted in the ability to record ECG tracings with less cumbersome equipment than has traditionally been utilized for veterinary species. These devices have demonstrated efficacy for cats ( 3 ), dogs ( 4 ), horses ( 5 , 6 ), dairy cattle ( 7 ), and water buffalo calves ( 8 ), but currently no studies describe the use of this new technology for goats.…”