Vertebral heart size and vertebral left atrial size reference intervals in healthy Shetland Sheepdogs, Cairn Terriers, Italian Greyhounds, and English Springer Spaniels.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate vertebral heart size (VHS) and vertebral left atrial size (VLAS) reference intervals in Shetland Sheepdogs (SSs), Cairn Terriers (CTs), Italian Greyhounds (IGs), and English Springer Spaniels (ESSs).

METHODS

The electronic medical records of IDEXX Telemedicine Consultants were searched for SSs, CTs, IGs, and ESSs undergoing radiography from January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2023. Dogs were included if they had 2- or 3-view thoracic radiographs performed and no evidence of cardiopulmonary or systemic disease. The same board-certified cardiologist performed the VHS and VLAS measurements in all dogs.

RESULTS

During the study period, a total of 778 SSs, 605 CTs, 569 IGs, and 447 ESSs were identified. Of these, 579 SSs, 433 CTs, 433 IGs, and 321 ESSs were excluded, leaving 199 SSs, 172 CTs, 136 IGs, and 126 ESSs available for analysis. The reference interval for SSs was 9.2v to 11.5v for VHS and 1.7v to 2.4v for VLAS. The reference interval for CTs was 9.3v to 11.2v for VHS and 1.6 to 2.4v for VLAS. The reference interval for IGs was 9.1v to 11.5v for VHS and 1.6v to 2.3v for VLAS. The reference interval for ESSs was 9.1v to 11.5v for VHS and 1.7v to 2.4v for VLAS.

CONCLUSIONS

SSs, CTs, IGs, and ESSs have breed-specific VHS and VLAS reference intervals.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Clinicians should be aware of these results to accurately diagnose cardiac disease in these breeds.