Electrocardiogram of the African grey (Psittacus erithacus) and Amazon (Amazona spp.) parrot.

Electrocardiographic reference values and configurations were established in apparently healthy African grey (Psittacus erithacus; n=45) and Amazon (Amazona spp.; n = 37) parrots, using standard limb leads. In 31 of the African grey parrots and 32 of the Amazon parrots electrocardiograms were made during isoflurane-anaesthesia. Significant differences between anaesthetized and unanaesthetized birds were found only for the median heart rate and QT-interval (P<0.05). Significant differences between the two genera were found for the duration of the P- and T-waves, the voltage of the T-wave and for the mean electrical axis. Sinus arrhythmias and ventricular premature beats were present in 5 to 10% of the tracings.