Echocardiographic parameters and indices in 23 healthy Maltese dogs

Abstract

Background Echocardiography is a primary tool used by veterinarians to evaluate heart diseases. In recent years, various studies have targeted standard echocardiographic values for different breeds. Reference data are currently lacking in Maltese dogs and it is important to fill this gap as this breed is predisposed to myxomatous mitral valve disease, which is a volume overload disease. Objectives To establish the normal echocardiographic parameters for Maltese dogs. Methods In total, 23 healthy Maltese dogs were involved in this study. Blood pressure measurements, thoracic radiography, and complete transthoracic echocardiography were performed. The effects of body weight, age and sex were evaluated, and the correlations between weight and linear and volumetric dimensions were calculated by regression analysis. Results The mean vertebral heart size was 9.1 ± 0.4. Aside from the ejection fraction, fractional shortening, and the left atrial to aorta root ratio, all the other echocardiographic parameters were significantly correlated with weight. Conclusion This study describes normal echocardiographic parameters that may be useful in the echocardiographic evaluation of Maltese dogs.

Evaluation of Left Ventricular Function in Healthy Retrievers Using Standard and 2D Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography

“…The results of this study and others showed no significant correlations between the functional parameters and age, which suggests that decreased FS is not a normal aging process [ 24 ]. LA/Ao is known to give a body-size-independent measurement of LA, and LA/Ao in this study was not influenced either by breed, age, or BW [ 21 , 22 , 23 , 26 ].…”

“…In this study, functional parameters such as EF and FS did not show any significant association with breed, age, or BW. In the veterinary literature, there are mixed reports on the associations between BW and the functional parameters, where some reported the latter to be independent of BW [ 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 ], while others revealed a negative correlation [ 4 , 19 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 ]. The results of this study and others showed no significant correlations between the functional parameters and age, which suggests that decreased FS is not a normal aging process [ 24 ].…”

M-Mode Echocardiography in Canine Veterinary Practice: A Comprehensive Review of Left Ventricular Measurements in 44 Different Dog Breeds

“…To ensure accurate interpretation of echocardiographic examinations in dogs, it is crucial to consider breed-specific reference values. Failing to do so can lead to misinterpretations, falsely indicating heart enlargement or altered activity when compared with general reference ranges, potentially resulting in misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment [ 22 , 29 , 35 , 42 , 54 ]. The coefficients of variation for all echocardiographically measured parameters can range from 5.03% to 46.43%, with the majority falling below 20% [ 65 ].…”

A Pilot Study of the Role of Selected Biomarkers of Kidney Injury in Dogs with Dilated Cardiomyopathy

“…Echocardiography was conducted using an ESAOTE MY LAB 40 eHD device with a 1.0-4.0 MHz phased array transducer. Breed-specific criteria were applied when appropriate [22,[38][39][40][41][42][43][44]. The examination followed existing guidelines and was performed on an echocardiographic table in right and left lateral recumbency.…”

“…The echocardiographic assessment employed a conventional protocol encompassing 2-D, M-mode, spectral Doppler, and color Doppler techniques. This allowed for the classification and staging of dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) according to established guidelines [22,[38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45]. The dogs exhibited echocardiographic changes indicative of systolic dysfunction, such as increased left ventricular (LV) end-systolic chamber diameter or end-systolic volume, reduced fractional shortening or ejection fraction, and increased E-point to septal separation.…”