Abstract Acute loss of massive amounts of blood has been associated with disturbances of cardiovascular homeostasis. In this study, we evaluated the Lead-II electrocardiogram of Nigerian local dogs following acute loss of massive amounts of blood. Six local dogs aged between 6 and 8 months were used in this study. An estimated 30% of total blood volume was removed to simulate acute haemorrhage. About 30 min prior to the removal of blood, Lead-II electrocardiogram was recorded and subsequently at 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h. From each animal, a 120-second electrocardiogram was recorded and parameters such as heart rate, R-amplitude, QRS-duration and QT/QTc values. Statistical analysis was carried out using descriptive statistics and ANOVA at a significance level of p<0.05.
Induction of acute haemorrhage led to a significant (p<0.05) increase in heart rate and R-amplitude. Significant reduction (p<0.05) in QT/QTc values were observed from 0 hrs up till the termination of the study.
Acute hemorrhage corresponding to about 30% of estimated blood volume caused tachycardia and increased QRS-amplitude in Nigerian dogs. Increase in R-wave amplitude suggests that the Brody effect does not occur in Nigerian dogs.
Keywords Acute haemorrhage, Lead-II ECG, Nigerian dogs.