Use of a novel smartphone based single-lead electrocardiogram device in clinical practice to evaluate heart rhythm in horses - a case series

Abstract

The surface electrocardiogram is the gold standard tool for the diagnosis of cardiac arrhythmias in horses. However, an electrocardiographic exam needs an electrocardiographic machine, cables and electrodes. Therefore, this diagnostic tool is not always available or practical in the field. Some handheld electrocardiographic devices that can transmit digitalised data have been reported in human and veterinary medicine in the last few years. The Ekuore ECG device, a novel smartphone tool, has recently shown an excellent agreement with standard base-apex electrocardiography in healthy horses. It obtained a standard electrocardiogram using traditional base-apex configuration when compared to previous smartphone devices. The aim of this case series is to report our clinical experience with the Ekuore device for heart rhythm analysis in horses referred for a cardiovascular examination. A total of 70 horses were evaluated for heart rhythm analysis using the Ekuore device. The single-lead bipolar Ekuore device allowed the diagnoses of physiological and pathological cardiac arrhythmias in all horses. One horse with atrial fibrillation was monitored by the referring veterinarian with the same device at home. In conclusion, we provide a first report on the use of the Ekuore device in clinical practice to evaluate heart rhythm in horses. The new smartphone electrocardiographic device can be more easily available in the field and might help clinicians to evaluate cardiac arrhythmias in horses.