The Effect of Ingested Lead Shot on the Electrocardiogram of Canada Geese

Myocardial degeneration and necrosis is a common finding in lead-poisoned waterfowl. An attempt was made to detect this damage electrocardiographically. The lead-II electrocardiograms of six Canada geese were recorded daily for 2 weeks before five of the birds were dosed with lead shot via stomach tube. The ECG's were recorded daily until the poisoned birds died. Myocardial necrosis was demonstrated histologically in three of the geese. The ECG's of two of these geese contained abnormalities consisting of increased R-wave amplitude, changes in ST-segment elevation and shape, and T-wave inversion.