Comparison of lateral and sternal recumbent positions for electrocardiography of the cat.

Comparison was made of the effects of lateral and sternal recumbent positions for recording (by electrocardiography) cardiac functions in nonanesthetized normal cats of various breeds and ages and both sexes. Reference values of the cats in lateral recumbency were P wave, 0.2 mV by 0.04 s; PR interval, 0.09 s, QRS complex, 0.9 mV by 0.04 s; QT interval, 0.18 s; and 0 to 160 degree axis. Similar values were obtained in the cats in sternal recumbency except that the height of the P wave was 0.3 mV, the height of QRS complex was 1.0 mV, and the axis was -10 degrees to 150 degrees. The only differences between these values and values previously reported were faster heart rate, higher P wave, narrower QRS complex, and more variable electrical axis.