Vertebral heart scale: A diagnostic tool for cardiomegaly in dogs

Abstract

Dogs admitted to Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex (T.V.C.C), College of Veterinary Science and A.H, MHOW, (M.P), with a history of persistent dry coughing, increases on exercise and were not responding to therapy. On clinical examination there were no changes observed in clinical signs. The radiological examination of the thoracic cavity was performed to observe the size and shape heart in the dogs. Vertebral heart scale (V.H.S) method was used for the measurement of heart size. Out of nine dogs used for study two dogs Labrador and Mongrel considered as cardiomegaly. The sizes of the hearts were 13 v and 12 v respectively as compare to normal V.H.S 9.7 v (8.5 – 10.5 v). On radiological examination pressing of trachea by enlarge heart was clearly visible.