Vertebral heart size and vertebral left atrial size reference intervals in Miniature Australian Shepherds, American...

To evaluate vertebral heart score (VHS) and vertebral left atrial reference intervals in Miniature Australian Shepherds, American Eskimos, Tibetan Terriers, and Border Terriers.

The electronic medical records of IDEXX Telemedicine Consultants were searched for Miniature Australian Shepherds, American Eskimos, Tibetan Terriers, and Border Terriers undergoing radiography from January 1, 2022, through December 31, 2023. The same board-certified cardiologist performed the VHS and vertebral left atrial size (VLAS) measurements in all dogs.

During the study period, a total of 1,052 Miniature Australian Shepherds, 685 American Eskimos, 583 Tibetan Terriers, and 504 Border Terriers were identified. Of these, 844 Miniature Australian Shepherds, 495 American Eskimos, 453 Tibetan Terriers, and 360 Border Terriers were excluded, leaving 208 Miniature Australian Shepherds, 190 American Eskimos, 130 Tibetan Terriers, and 144 Border Terriers available for analysis. The reference interval for Miniature Australian Shepherds was 9.4v to 11.5v for VHS and 1.7v to 2.5v for VLAS. The reference interval for American Eskimos was 9.5v to 11.5v for VHS and 1.7v to 2.4v for VLAS. The reference interval for Tibetan Terriers was 9.2v to 11.4v for VHS and 1.7v to 2.3v for VLAS. The reference interval for Border Terriers was 9.3v to 11.6v for VHS and 1.7v to 2.3v for VLAS.

Miniature Australian Shepherds, American Eskimo Dogs, Tibetan Terriers, and Border Terriers have breed-specific VHS and VLAS reference intervals.

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