What feature is characteristic of oleander toxicity noted on an EKG?

The characteristic feature of oleander toxicity noted on an EKG is a wide QRS complex. Oleander contains compounds that can disrupt cardiac conduction pathways, leading to various forms of arrhythmias. Specifically, the disruption can cause prolongation of the ventricular depolarization, which results in a widening of the QRS complex.

In cases of oleander toxicity, the drug affects the sodium and potassium ion channels, which plays a significant role in the action potential of cardiac cells. This disruption makes it essential for veterinarians to be aware of EKG changes when diagnosing and treating potential cases of oleander exposure in animals.

While other choices can relate to heart issues, they do not specifically reflect the EKG changes classically associated with oleander toxicity as definitively as the wide QRS complex does. Recognizing this specific change is crucial for accurate assessment and management in clinical scenarios involving oleander poisoning.