Radiographic Measurement of Cardiac Size in Normal Ferrets

Abstract

Right lateral, left lateral and ventrodorsal radiographs were obtained in 20 normal ferrets (11 male). Three independent observers recorded measurements of the cardiac silhouette and results for each parameter were averaged. Long axis (length), short axis (width) and total of length plus width (L+W) were recorded in each view. Comparative measurements were calculated, including the ratio of L+W/length of thoracic vertebrae 5-8, and a modified vertebral heart score (VHS) method, measuring the heart in vertebral units. Measurements made in ventrodorsal views were usually larger than corresponding measurements in lateral views. Weight and most absolute measurements differed significantly between male and female ferret (P<0.05), but the differences in absolute measurements were not apparent when related to measures of body size (Ratio and modified VHS methods). Given the variability in body weight and size in ferrets, measurements of the cardiac silhouette normalized for body size may be more universally applicable than absolute measurements.

Radiographic Measurement of Cardiac Size in 64 Ferrets

“…Using the VHS method, we summed the RL and SA values and counted the thoracic vertebrae corresponding to the length obtained from the sixth thoracic vertebra on the cephalic side (Figs. 1, 2), the results of which differed from those of a previous study [9].…”

“…In ferrets, popular pet animals that veterinarians often encounter, evaluation by sonography has been reported [10,11], but in terms of evaluation by chest radiography, standards of evaluation using weight differences, easy measurements and relational expressions of normal cardiac appearance have not been established, with the exception of the values reported by Stepin et al [9]. The aim of the present study was to identify relational expressions that can be used in diagnosing cardiac disorders in ferrets.…”

“…Thus, Our methods were considered useful for radiography in ferrets. Furthermore our study, which utilized an increased number of animals, added new examination items (VD-LEC, VD-8th TV, ratios compared to 6th DV and the ratio of VD-6th DV to VD-8th TV) to the radiographic measurement items selected by Stepien et al [9]. Significant gender-and body weight-related differences were seen in 38 items (P<0.05; Table 2).…”

“…As a result, few studies have diagnosed such disorders based on radiographic findings. According to Stepien et al [9] radiography was performed under anesthesia with ketamine and midazolam. In the present study, butorphanol, which has little effect on the cardiovascular system was used as a sedative, and adequate results were obtained.…”

Thoracic and heart biometrics of non-anesthetized agouti (Dasyprocta primnolopha Wagler, 1831) measured on radiographic images

“…Investigation by image is widely used in cardiologic assessments in veterinary medicine (Ware 2007). However, reference values have not yet been fully established for most wild species, and there is little information in the literature to support standardization of access techniques to the heart function and suggest alterations in this organ for these animals (Stepien et al 1999, Gardner 2007, Estrada et al 2009, Onuma 2009, Black 2011.…”