Sudden death of calves by experimental infection with Strongyloides papillosus. IV. Electrocardiographic and pneumographic observations at critical moments of the disease

Abstract

Electrocardiographic and pneumographic observations at critical moments were carried out on five calves that died suddenly following experimental infections with Strongyloides papillosus. Time which elapsed during these critical moments was calculated from the time of observation of ventricular flutter (VF) to the appearance of accelerated respiration and cessation of respiration. The beginning of accelerated respiration ranged from −19 to 41 s after VF. Time (minutes:seconds) of cessation of respiration ranged from 2:10 to 3:50 after VF. The results of the experiment suggested sudden cardiac death as the cause of death in calves following infection with Strongyloides papillosus.