Objective To characterize the electrocardiogram (ECG) of anesthetized adult emus (Dromaius novaehollandiae). Animals Ten clinically healthy adult emus anesthetised for routine physical examination and an electrocardiogram, for both monitoring and investigation into any evidence of cardiac disease. Methods The ECGs for each emu were obtained in right lateral recumbency, using a modified electrode placement that replicated the standard bipolar leads used in small mammals. Lead II was used for waveform analysis. Results Median P wave amplitude was 0.55 mV (range: 0.2–0.92 mV) and P wave duration was 0.06 s (0.04–0.09 s). S wave amplitude measured 1.42 mV (0.92–2.12 mV), T wave amplitude 0.67 mV (0.16–0.83 mV) and QRS duration was 0.07 s (0.07–0.12 s). Ninety percent of the QRS complexes were of rS type. Conclusion Our study provides electrocardiographic baseline data for anesthetized adult emus.
