Allometric analysis of the atrioventricular heart-valve weights in beagle dogs.

A statistical analysis of atrioventricular heart valve weights of 218 beagle dogs was performed. Applying the allometric function, the correlation between body or heart weight and the weights of the mitral valve, tricuspid valve-angular/parietal leaflet and tricuspid valve-septal leaflet could be described statistically. In the age range between 2 and 81 weeks a significant linear, positive correlation was found for all three parts. The mitral valve and the angular and parietal leaflet of the tricuspid valve show a negative allometry or slower growth rate than body or heart, whereas the septal leaflet grows isometrically. Sex differences were not found. The relevance of such data for the evaluation of certain pathological findings is discussed.