Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 5, 2026
12:45
Benefits of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in an Asynchronous Heart Failure Model Induced by Left Bundle Branch Ablation and Rapid Pacing
Published on: December 11, 2017
Vertebral heart scale in the beagle dog
S Kraetschmer1, K Ludwig, F Meneses
1Small Animal Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173 Hannover, Germany.
The Journal of Small Animal Practice
|April 22, 2008
Summary
The vertebral heart scale offers an objective method for assessing canine heart size in beagles, establishing breed-specific reference values. Optimal lung inflation did not significantly impact these cardiac measurements.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Cardiology
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- The vertebral heart scale (VHS) is a radiographic method for assessing cardiac size in dogs.
- Establishing breed-specific reference values is crucial for accurate interpretation of VHS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish reference values for the vertebral heart scale in beagle dogs.
- To evaluate the influence of optimal lung inflation on VHS measurements in beagles.
Main Methods:
- Echocardiography, ECG, blood pressure, and blood work were performed on 19 beagle dogs.
- Thoracic radiographs were taken in right and left lateral recumbency in conscious and anesthetized states with optimal lung inflation.
- Vertebral heart scale was measured on all radiographs.
Main Results:
- The mean VHS in beagles was 10.3 (0.4) v, significantly different from previous studies.
- Optimal lung inflation did not significantly affect the vertebral heart scale measurements.
Conclusions:
- The VHS provides a valuable, objective tool for evaluating canine cardiac size, complementing echocardiography.
- Veterinarians should consider breed-specific differences, particularly for beagles, when interpreting VHS values.
