Preliminary reference values for electrocardiography, echocardiography and myocardial morphometry in the European brown hare (Lepus europaeus)
2009

Reference Values for Hare Heart Measurements

Sample size: 30 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Agnieszka Noszczyk-Nowak, Józef Nicpoń, Marcin Nowak, Piotr Slawuta

Primary Institution: Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences

Hypothesis

The study aims to define reference values for electrocardiographic and echocardiographic parameters in the European brown hare.

Conclusion

The study established preliminary reference values for cardiac function in the European brown hare, indicating physiological adaptations similar to those seen in athletes.

Supporting Evidence

  • The study provides the first reference values for cardiac function in the European brown hare.
  • Echocardiographic findings were consistent with post-mortem measurements.
  • The cardiac findings suggest physiological hypertrophy similar to the athlete's heart syndrome in humans.

Takeaway

Researchers looked at the hearts of brown hares to find normal measurements, and they found that these hares have strong hearts like athletes.

Methodology

The study involved electrocardiography and echocardiography on 30 adult hares, followed by post-mortem examinations to measure heart dimensions.

Limitations

The study is preliminary and suggests that further research with a larger sample size is needed.

Participant Demographics

30 adult, clinically healthy hares (10 males and 20 females) caught in Poland.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1751-0147-51-6

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication