How to perform an electrocardiogram in an awake pond slider turtle (Trachemys scripta): a comparative study of five noninvasive methodologies.

Objective: To compare multiple noninvasive ECG methods in pond sliders based upon repeatability, ability to recognize standard waveforms, and measurability.

Methods: The study was performed from November 2023 through January 2024. Ten healthy adult pond turtles were enrolled in the study. ECG tracings were obtained using 4 previously reported and 1 novel ECG methodology, using adhesive patches applied to the prehumeral fossae and abdominal scutes. The 50 ECG tracings were blinded by method and turtle, randomized for evaluation by 4 observers, and assessed for quality on a scale from 0 to 3.

Results: Interobserver and intraobserver intraclass correlation coefficients for all tracings were 0.84 and 0.97, respectively, indicating an almost perfect agreement. The average score amongst the observers for each tracing was then averaged by method, ranging from 0.875 to 2.15. The novel method demonstrated a collective average of 2.15 and was the highest scoring method for 8 of 10 turtles.

Conclusions: Electrocardiogram utilizing methods that apply adhesive patches to the prehumeral fossae and either the abdominal scutes of the plastron or prefemoral fossae in pond turtles can be performed to produce recognizable waveforms.

Clinical relevance: Diagnostic tools, such as ECGs, are imperative to enhance veterinary care in nonconventional species, particularly with the rising trend of exotic pets worldwide.