Vertebral heart size and vertebral left atrial size reference ranges in healthy Miniature Schnauzers.

OBJECTIVE: The inclusion of vertebral heart score (VHS) and, more recently, the inclusion of the vertebral left atrial size (VLAS) in radiographic evaluation have become important screening tools for identifying dogs with occult cardiac disease. Several recent papers have shown there are interbreed variations in the VHS reference range. Our hypothesis is that the Miniature Schnauzer would also have a higher reference range for its VHS. ANIMALS: The electronic medical records of IDEXX Telemedicine Consultants were searched for Miniature Schnauzers undergoing thoracic radiographs between March 1, 2022, and February 28, 2023. METHODS: Dogs were included if they had 3 view thoracic radiographs performed and no evidence of cardiopulmonary disease was detected. Dogs with incomplete radiographic studies or cardiac or extracardiac disease were excluded. The VHS and VLAS measurements were performed by 2 board-certified cardiologists independent of one another. RESULTS: A total of 1,000 radiographs were obtained of which 272 were included for the study. The overall range for the VHS in this cohort was 9.68 to 12.07 with a median of 10.9. For VLAS measurements, a range of 1.71 to 2.4 was documented with a median of 2.0. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The VHS for Miniature Schnauzers without cardiac disease was confirmed to be higher than the canine reference range.

Vertebral heart score and vertebral left atrial size reference intervals in Jack Russell Terriers, Miniature Pinschers, and Brussels Griffons.

OBJECTIVE: The investigators' hypothesis is that Jack Russell Terriers (JRTs), Miniature Pinschers (MPs), and Brussels Griffons (BGs) without underlying cardiac disease have breed-specific vertebral heart size (VHS) reference intervals. METHODS: The electronic medical records of IDEXX Telemedicine Consultants were searched for JRTs, MPs, and BGs undergoing radiography from January 1, 2023, through June 30, 2023. The study range was expanded to January 1 2022, through June 30, 2023, for BGs only to improve case volume. Dogs were included if they had 2- or 3-view thoracic radiographs performed and no evidence of cardiopulmonary or systemic disease. The VHS and vertebral left atrial size (VLAS) measurements were performed by the same board-certified cardiologist for all images. RESULTS: During the study period, a total of 991 JRTs, 750 MPs, and 399 BGs were identified. Of these, 689 JRTs, 512 MPs, and 267 BGs were excluded, leaving 302 JRTs, 238 MPs, and 132 BGs available for analysis. The reference intervals for JRTs were 9.7v to 11.8v for VHS and 1.8v to 2.6v for VLAS. The reference intervals for MPs were 9.6v to 12.2v for VHS and 1.7v to 2.4v for VLAS. The reference intervals for BGs were 9.3v to 11.9v for VHS and 1.7v to 2.4v for VLAS. CONCLUSIONS: Jack Russell Terriers, MPs, and BGs have breed-specific VHS and VLAS reference intervals. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Clinicians should be aware of these results to accurately diagnose cardiac disease in these 3 breeds.