{"status":"ok","message-type":"work","message-version":"1.0.0","message":{"indexed":{"date-parts":[[2026,4,1]],"date-time":"2026-04-01T22:47:06Z","timestamp":1775083626327,"version":"3.50.1"},"reference-count":66,"publisher":"American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)","issue":"4","license":[{"start":{"date-parts":[[2026,4,1]],"date-time":"2026-04-01T00:00:00Z","timestamp":1775001600000},"content-version":"unspecified","delay-in-days":0,"URL":"http:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc\/4.0\/"}],"content-domain":{"domain":[],"crossmark-restriction":false},"short-container-title":["ajvr"],"published-print":{"date-parts":[[2026,4,1]]},"abstract":"<jats:title>Abstract<\/jats:title>\n                  <jats:sec id=\"sc_a1\">\n                    <jats:title>Objective<\/jats:title>\n                    <jats:p>To develop vertebral heart size (VHS) and vertebral left atrial size (VLAS) reference intervals in sighthounds.<\/jats:p>\n                  <\/jats:sec>\n                  <jats:sec id=\"sc_a2\">\n                    <jats:title>Methods<\/jats:title>\n                    <jats:p>Electronic medical records of IDEXX Telemedicine Consultants were searched for Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Borzois, Afghan Hounds, Salukis, and Basenjis undergoing thoracic radiography from January 1, 2021, through April 30, 2023. All measurements of VHS and VLAS were performed by the same board-certified cardiologist.<\/jats:p>\n                  <\/jats:sec>\n                  <jats:sec id=\"sc_a3\">\n                    <jats:title>Results<\/jats:title>\n                    <jats:p>920 sighthounds (225 Rhodesian Ridgebacks, 196 Borzois, 190 Afghan Hounds, 159 Salukis, and 150 Basenjis) were identified, and 240 (56 Rhodesian Ridgebacks, 47 Borzois, 44 Afghan Hounds, 44 Salukis, and 49 Basenjis) met the inclusion criteria. The remaining 680 dogs were excluded because of malpositioning or incomplete radiographic studies (n = 456), extracardiac disease (139), or cardiac disease (85). The overall reference intervals for all 240 sighthounds were 9.0 to 11.2 vertebrae (v) for VHS and 1.7 to 2.6v for VLAS. Reference intervals were further determined by breed: Rhodesian Ridgeback, 9.3 to 11.5v for VHS and 1.8 to 2.4v for VLAS; Borzois, 8.8 to 10.9v for VHS and 1.7 to 2.3v for VLAS; Afghan Hound, 9.0 to 11.5v for VHS and 1.8 to 2.5v for VLAS; Salukis, 9.4 to 11.8v for VHS and 1.6 to 2.6v for VLAS; and Basenjis, 9.0 to 11.6v for VHS and 1.7 to 2.5v for VLAS.<\/jats:p>\n                  <\/jats:sec>\n                  <jats:sec id=\"sc_a4\">\n                    <jats:title>Conclusions<\/jats:title>\n                    <jats:p>Sighthounds have breed-specific VHS and VLAS reference intervals.<\/jats:p>\n                  <\/jats:sec>\n                  <jats:sec id=\"sc_a5\">\n                    <jats:title>Clinical Relevance<\/jats:title>\n                    <jats:p>The reference ranges presented here could be a diagnostic aid to screen for cardiomegaly in these breeds.<\/jats:p>\n                  <\/jats:sec>","DOI":"10.2460\/ajvr.25.11.0394","type":"journal-article","created":{"date-parts":[[2026,1,15]],"date-time":"2026-01-15T17:46:29Z","timestamp":1768499189000},"source":"Crossref","is-referenced-by-count":0,"title":["Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Borzois, Afghan Hounds, Salukis, and Basenjis have breed-specific reference ranges for vertebral heart size and vertebral left atrial size"],"prefix":"10.2460","volume":"87","author":[{"given":"Sydney","family":"Boo","sequence":"first","affiliation":[{"name":"Friendship Hospital for Animals, Washington, DC"}],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]},{"given":"Lisa A.","family":"Murphy","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Friendship Hospital for Animals, Washington, DC"}],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]},{"given":"Charlotte I.","family":"Zepeda","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"University of California-Berkeley, Berkeley, CA"}],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]},{"given":"Nicole","family":"Piscitelli","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"IDEXX Laboratories Telemedicine Department, Westbrook, ME"}],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]},{"given":"Jessica","family":"Gentile-Solomon","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"IDEXX Laboratories Telemedicine Department, Westbrook, ME"}],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]},{"given":"Donald","family":"Szlosek","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"IDEXX Laboratories Telemedicine Department, Westbrook, ME"}],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]},{"given":"Reid K.","family":"Nakamura","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"IDEXX Laboratories Telemedicine Department, Westbrook, ME"}],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]}],"member":"1272","reference":[{"issue":"2","key":"B1","series-title":"J Am Vet Med Assoc","first-page":"194","article-title":"Vertebral scale system to measure canine heart size in radiographs","author":"Buchanan JW","year":"1995","unstructured":"Buchanan JW, B\u00fccheler J. Vertebral scale system to measure canine heart size in radiographs. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1995;206(2):194\u2013194. doi:10.2460\/javma.1995.206.02.194"},{"issue":"2","key":"B2","series-title":"Vet Radiol Ultrasound","first-page":"156","article-title":"Breed-specific vertebral heart score, vertebral left atrial size, and radiographic left atrial dimension in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels: reference interval study","author":"Bagardi M","year":"2022","unstructured":"Bagardi M, Locatelli C, Manfredi M, et al. Breed-specific vertebral heart score, vertebral left atrial size, and radiographic left atrial dimension in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels: reference interval study. Vet Radiol Ultrasound. 2022;63(2):156\u2013163. doi:10.1111\/vru.13036"},{"issue":"23","key":"B3","series-title":"Vet Rec","first-page":"707","article-title":"Use of breed-specific ranges for the vertebral heart scale as an aid to the radiographic diagnosis of cardiac disease in dogs","author":"Lamb CR","year":"2001","unstructured":"Lamb CR, Wikeley H, Boswood A, Pfeiffer DU. Use of breed-specific ranges for the vertebral heart scale as an aid to the radiographic diagnosis of cardiac disease in dogs. Vet Rec. 2001;148(23):707\u2013711. doi:10.1136\/vr.148.23.707"},{"issue":"6","key":"B4","series-title":"J Vet Intern Med","first-page":"1312","article-title":"Radiographic heart size and its rate of increase as tests for onset of congestive heart failure in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels with mitral valve regurgitation","author":"Lord PF","year":"2011","unstructured":"Lord PF, Hansson K, Carnabuci C, Kvart C, H\u00e4ggstr\u00f6m J. Radiographic heart size and its rate of increase as tests for onset of congestive heart failure in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels with mitral valve regurgitation. J Vet Intern Med. 2011;25(6):1312\u20131319. doi:10.1111\/j.1939-1676.2011.00792.x"},{"issue":"1","key":"B5","series-title":"Vet Radiol Ultrasound","first-page":"18","article-title":"Vertebral heart size and vertebral left atrial size reference ranges in healthy Maltese dogs","author":"Baisan RA","year":"2022","unstructured":"Baisan RA, Vulpe V. Vertebral heart size and vertebral left atrial size reference ranges in healthy Maltese dogs. Vet Radiol Ultrasound. 2022;63(1):18\u201322. doi:10.1111\/vru.13027"},{"issue":"4","key":"B6","series-title":"Vet World","first-page":"371","article-title":"Vertebral scale system to measure heart size in thoracic radiographs of Indian Spitz, Labrador Retriever and Mongrel dogs","author":"Bodh D","year":"2016","unstructured":"Bodh D, Hoque M, Saxena AC, Gugjoo MB, Bist D, Chaudhary JK. Vertebral scale system to measure heart size in thoracic radiographs of Indian Spitz, Labrador Retriever and Mongrel dogs. Vet World. 2016;9(4):371\u2013376. doi:10.14202\/vetworld.2016.371-376"},{"issue":"1","key":"B7","series-title":"Vet Radiol Ultrasound","first-page":"3","article-title":"Vertebral heart scores in eight dog breeds","author":"Jepsen-Grant K","year":"2013","unstructured":"Jepsen-Grant K, Pollard R, Johnson L. Vertebral heart scores in eight dog breeds. Vet Radiol Ultrasound. 2013;54(1):3\u20138. doi:10.1111\/j.1740-8261.2012.01976.x"},{"issue":"5","key":"B8","series-title":"Am J Vet Res","first-page":"ajvr.24.01.0010","article-title":"Vertebral heart size and vertebral left atrial size reference ranges in healthy Miniature Schnauzers","author":"Murphy L","year":"2004","unstructured":"Murphy L, Piscitelli N, Solomon J, Szlosek D, Nakamura RK. Vertebral heart size and vertebral left atrial size reference ranges in healthy Miniature Schnauzers. Am J Vet Res. 2004;85(5):ajvr.24.01.0010. doi:10.2460\/ajvr.24.01.0010"},{"issue":"1","key":"B9","series-title":"Vet Radiol Ultrasound","first-page":"10","article-title":"Norwich Terriers possess a greater vertebral heart scale than the canine reference value","author":"Taylor CJ","year":"2020","unstructured":"Taylor CJ, Simon BT, Stanley BJ, Lai GP, Thieman Mankin KM. Norwich Terriers possess a greater vertebral heart scale than the canine reference value. Vet Radiol Ultrasound. 2020;61(1):10\u201315. doi:10.1111\/vru.12813"},{"issue":"9","key":"B10","series-title":"PLoS One","first-page":"e0274085","article-title":"Breed-specific values for vertebral heart score (VHS), vertebral left atrial size (VLAS), and radiographic left atrial dimension (RLAD) in Pugs without cardiac disease, and their relationship to brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)","author":"Wiegel PS","year":"2022","unstructured":"Wiegel PS, Mach R, Nolte I, et al. Breed-specific values for vertebral heart score (VHS), vertebral left atrial size (VLAS), and radiographic left atrial dimension (RLAD) in Pugs without cardiac disease, and their relationship to brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). PLoS One. 2022;17(9):e0274085. doi:10.1371\/journal.pone.0274085"},{"issue":"1","key":"B11","series-title":"Vet Radiol Ultrasound","first-page":"20","article-title":"A radiographic study of breed-specific vertebral heart score and vertebral left atrial size in Chihuahuas","author":"Puccinelli C","year":"2021","unstructured":"Puccinelli C, Citi S, Vezzosi T, Garibaldi S, Tognetti R. A radiographic study of breed-specific vertebral heart score and vertebral left atrial size in Chihuahuas. Vet Radiol Ultrasound. 2021;62(1):20\u201326. doi:10.1111\/vru.12919"},{"issue":"12","key":"B12","series-title":"Am J Vet Res","first-page":"ajvr.24.07.0209","article-title":"Vertebral heart score and vertebral left atrial size reference intervals in Jack Russell Terriers, Miniature Pinschers, and Brussels Griffon","author":"Battinelli GM","year":"2004","unstructured":"Battinelli GM, Piscitelli N, Murphy L, Gentile-Solomon J, Szlosek D, Nakamura RK. Vertebral heart score and vertebral left atrial size reference intervals in Jack Russell Terriers, Miniature Pinschers, and Brussels Griffon. Am J Vet Res. 2004;85(12):ajvr.24.07.0209. doi:10.2460\/ajvr.24.07.0209"},{"issue":"5","key":"B13","series-title":"Vet Radiol Ultrasound","first-page":"400","article-title":"Vertebral heart size ranges specific for Whippets","author":"Bavegems V","year":"2005","unstructured":"Bavegems V, Van Caelenberg A, Duchateau L, Sys SU, Van Bree H, De Rick A. Vertebral heart size ranges specific for Whippets. Vet Radiol Ultrasound. 2005;46(5):400\u2013403. doi:10.1111\/j.1740-8261.2005.00073.x"},{"issue":"5","key":"B14","series-title":"J Small Anim Pract","first-page":"240","article-title":"Vertebral heart scale in the Beagle dog","author":"Kraetschmer S","year":"2008","unstructured":"Kraetschmer S, Ludwig K, Meneses F, Nolte I, Simon D. Vertebral heart scale in the Beagle dog. J Small Anim Pract. 2008;49(5):240\u2013243. doi:10.1111\/j.1748-5827.2007.00531.x"},{"issue":"3","key":"B15","series-title":"Am J Vet Res","first-page":"ajvr.24.10.0320","article-title":"Breed-specific vertebral heart size and vertebral left atrial size reference intervals in Yorkshire Terriers, Pomeranians, Pugs and Boston Terriers","author":"Murphy LA","year":"2025","unstructured":"Murphy LA, Munoz C, Zepeda CI, et al. Breed-specific vertebral heart size and vertebral left atrial size reference intervals in Yorkshire Terriers, Pomeranians, Pugs and Boston Terriers. Am J Vet Res. 2025;86(3):ajvr.24.10.0320. doi:10.2460\/ajvr.24.10.0320"},{"issue":"7","key":"B16","series-title":"Am J Vet Res","first-page":"ajvr.25.01.0017","article-title":"Vertebral heart size and vertebral left atrial size reference intervals in Shetland Sheepdogs, Cairn Terriers, Italian Greyhounds, and English Springer Spaniels","author":"Murphy LA","year":"2025","unstructured":"Murphy LA, Zepeda CI, Piscitelli N, Gentile-Solomon J, Szlosek D, Nakamura RK. Vertebral heart size and vertebral left atrial size reference intervals in Shetland Sheepdogs, Cairn Terriers, Italian Greyhounds, and English Springer Spaniels. Am J Vet Res. 2025;86(7):ajvr.25.01.0017. doi:10.2460\/ajvr.25.01.0017"},{"key":"B17","year":"2024","unstructured":"Getting to know the sighthound breeds. American Kennel Club. Last modified July 1, 2024. Accessed April 27, 2025. https:\/\/www.akc.org\/expert-advice\/dog-breeds\/meet-sighthound-breeds\/"},{"issue":"4","key":"B18","series-title":"Vet Rad Ultra","first-page":"332","article-title":"Vertebral heart size in retired racing Greyhounds","author":"Marin LM","year":"2007","unstructured":"Marin LM, Brown J, McBrien C, Baumwart R, Samii VF, Couto CG. Vertebral heart size in retired racing Greyhounds. Vet Rad Ultra. 2007;48(4):332\u2013334. doi:10.1111\/j.1740-8261.2007.00252.x"},{"issue":"8","key":"B19","series-title":"J Am Vet Med Assoc","first-page":"1038","article-title":"Diagnostic value of vertebral left atrial size as determined from thoracic radiographs for assessment of left atrial size in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease","author":"Malcolm EL","year":"2018","unstructured":"Malcolm EL, Visser LC, Phillips KL, Johnson LR. Diagnostic value of vertebral left atrial size as determined from thoracic radiographs for assessment of left atrial size in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2018;253(8):1038\u20131045. doi:10.2460\/javma.253.8.1038"},{"key":"B20","series-title":"EP28-A3c: Defining, Establishing, and Verifying Reference Intervals in the Clinical Laboratory","year":"2010","unstructured":"Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. EP28-A3c: Defining, Establishing, and Verifying Reference Intervals in the Clinical Laboratory. 3rd ed. Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute; 2010."},{"issue":"4","key":"B21","series-title":"J Vet Intern Med","first-page":"220","article-title":"Effect of breed and body weight on echocardiographic values in four breeds of dogs of differing somatotype","author":"Morrison SA","year":"1992","unstructured":"Morrison SA, Moise NS, Scarlett J, Mohammed H, Yeager AE. Effect of breed and body weight on echocardiographic values in four breeds of dogs of differing somatotype. J Vet Intern Med. 1992;6(4):220\u2013224. doi:10.1111\/j.1939-1676.1992.tb00342.x"},{"issue":"5","key":"B22","series-title":"J Vet Cardiol","first-page":"301","article-title":"Echocardiographic variables in healthy North American Salukis","author":"Kurosawa TA","year":"2018","unstructured":"Kurosawa TA, Sist MD, Sanders RA. Echocardiographic variables in healthy North American Salukis. J Vet Cardiol. 2018;20(5):301\u2013306. doi:10.1016\/j.jvc.2018.07.003"},{"issue":"4","key":"B23","series-title":"J Vet Cardiol","first-page":"271","article-title":"Simpson\u2019s method of discs in Salukis and Whippets: echocardiographic reference intervals for end-diastolic and end-systolic left ventricular volumes","author":"Seckerdieck M","year":"2015","unstructured":"Seckerdieck M, Holler P, Smets P, Wess G. Simpson\u2019s method of discs in Salukis and Whippets: echocardiographic reference intervals for end-diastolic and end-systolic left ventricular volumes. J Vet Cardiol. 2015;17(4):271\u2013281. doi:10.1016\/j.jvc.2015.08.002"},{"key":"B24","series-title":"Am J Vet Res","first-page":"1","article-title":"Echocardiographic values and prevalence of cardiac abnormalities in clinically healthy adult Borzoi dogs","author":"Wesselowski S","year":"2024","unstructured":"Wesselowski S, Sykes KT, Saunders AB, Were SB. Echocardiographic values and prevalence of cardiac abnormalities in clinically healthy adult Borzoi dogs. Am J Vet Res. 2024;1\u201310. doi:10.2460\/ajvr.23.11.0255"},{"key":"B25","series-title":"Front Vet Sci","first-page":"1102494","article-title":"A multicenter, retrospective study of cardiac disease in Borzoi dogs","author":"Sykes KT","year":"2023","unstructured":"Sykes KT, Wesselowski S, Saunders AB, et al. A multicenter, retrospective study of cardiac disease in Borzoi dogs. Front Vet Sci. 2023;10:1102494. doi:10.3389\/fvets.2023.1102494"},{"issue":"4","key":"B26","series-title":"Vet Clin Pathol","first-page":"441","article-title":"ASVCP reference interval guidelines: determination of de novo reference intervals in veterinary species and other related topics","author":"Friedrichs KR","year":"2012","unstructured":"Friedrichs KR, Harr KE, Freeman KP, et al. ASVCP reference interval guidelines: determination of de novo reference intervals in veterinary species and other related topics. Vet Clin Pathol. 2012;41(4):441\u2013453. doi:10.1111\/vcp.12006"},{"issue":"4","key":"B27","series-title":"J Appl Physiol","first-page":"1365","article-title":"Effect of endurance training on cardiac morphology in Alaskan sled dogs","author":"Stepien RL","year":"1998","unstructured":"Stepien RL, Hinchcliff KW, Constable PD, Olson J. Effect of endurance training on cardiac morphology in Alaskan sled dogs. J Appl Physiol. 1998;85(4):1365\u20131375. doi:10.1152\/jappl.1998.85.4.1368"},{"issue":"2","key":"B28","series-title":"J Am Anim Hosp Assoc","first-page":"73","article-title":"Breed-specific vertebral heart scale for the Dachshund","author":"Birks R","year":"2017","unstructured":"Birks R, Fine DM, Leach SB, et al. Breed-specific vertebral heart scale for the Dachshund. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc. 2017;53(2):73\u201379. doi:10.5326\/jaaha-ms-6474"},{"issue":"2","key":"B29","series-title":"Vet Sci","first-page":"168","article-title":"Thoracic vertebral length-to-height ratio, a promising parameter to predict the vertebral heart score in normal Welsh Corgi Pembroke dogs","author":"Tangpakornsak T","year":"2023","unstructured":"Tangpakornsak T, Saisawart P, Sutthigran S, et al. Thoracic vertebral length-to-height ratio, a promising parameter to predict the vertebral heart score in normal Welsh Corgi Pembroke dogs. Vet Sci. 2023;10(2):168. doi:10.3390\/vetsci10020168"},{"issue":"10","key":"B30","series-title":"J Am Vet Med Assoc","first-page":"1091","article-title":"Effect of cardiac and respiratory cycles on vertebral heart score measured on fluoroscopic images of healthy dogs","author":"Olive J","year":"2015","unstructured":"Olive J, Javard R, Specchi S, et al. Effect of cardiac and respiratory cycles on vertebral heart score measured on fluoroscopic images of healthy dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2015;246(10):1091\u20131097. doi:10.2460\/javma.246.10.1091"},{"issue":"1","key":"B31","series-title":"J Vet Cardiol","first-page":"33","article-title":"Radiographic cardiac size in cats and dogs with heartworm disease compared with reference values using the vertebral heart scale method: 53 cases","author":"Litster A","year":"2005","unstructured":"Litster A, Atkins C, Atwell R, Buchanan J. Radiographic cardiac size in cats and dogs with heartworm disease compared with reference values using the vertebral heart scale method: 53 cases. J Vet Cardiol. 2005;7(1):33\u201340. doi:10.1016\/j.jvc.2005.02.002"},{"issue":"8","key":"B32","series-title":"J Am Vet Med Assoc","first-page":"1048","article-title":"Accuracy of radiographic vertebral heart score and sphericity index in the detection of pericardial effusion in dogs","author":"Guglielmini C","year":"2012","unstructured":"Guglielmini C, Diana A, Santarelli G, et al. Accuracy of radiographic vertebral heart score and sphericity index in the detection of pericardial effusion in dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2012;241(8):1048\u20131055. doi:10.2460\/javma.241.8.1048"},{"key":"B33","series-title":"J Vet Cardiol","first-page":"99","article-title":"Association of diet with clinical outcomes in dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure","author":"Walker A","year":"2022","unstructured":"Walker A, DeFrancecso TC, Bonagura JD, et al. Association of diet with clinical outcomes in dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure. J Vet Cardiol. 2022;40:99\u2013109. doi:10.1016\/j.jvc.2021.02.001"},{"issue":"2","key":"B1","series-title":"J Am Vet Med Assoc","first-page":"194","article-title":"Vertebral scale system to measure canine heart size in radiographs","author":"Buchanan JW","year":"1995","unstructured":"Buchanan JW, B\u00fccheler J. Vertebral scale system to measure canine heart size in radiographs. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1995;206(2):194\u2013194. doi:10.2460\/javma.1995.206.02.194"},{"issue":"2","key":"B2","series-title":"Vet Radiol Ultrasound","first-page":"156","article-title":"Breed-specific vertebral heart score, vertebral left atrial size, and radiographic left atrial dimension in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels: reference interval study","author":"Bagardi M","year":"2022","unstructured":"Bagardi M, Locatelli C, Manfredi M, et al. Breed-specific vertebral heart score, vertebral left atrial size, and radiographic left atrial dimension in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels: reference interval study. Vet Radiol Ultrasound. 2022;63(2):156\u2013163. doi:10.1111\/vru.13036"},{"issue":"23","key":"B3","series-title":"Vet Rec","first-page":"707","article-title":"Use of breed-specific ranges for the vertebral heart scale as an aid to the radiographic diagnosis of cardiac disease in dogs","author":"Lamb CR","year":"2001","unstructured":"Lamb CR, Wikeley H, Boswood A, Pfeiffer DU. Use of breed-specific ranges for the vertebral heart scale as an aid to the radiographic diagnosis of cardiac disease in dogs. Vet Rec. 2001;148(23):707\u2013711. doi:10.1136\/vr.148.23.707"},{"issue":"6","key":"B4","series-title":"J Vet Intern Med","first-page":"1312","article-title":"Radiographic heart size and its rate of increase as tests for onset of congestive heart failure in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels with mitral valve regurgitation","author":"Lord PF","year":"2011","unstructured":"Lord PF, Hansson K, Carnabuci C, Kvart C, H\u00e4ggstr\u00f6m J. Radiographic heart size and its rate of increase as tests for onset of congestive heart failure in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels with mitral valve regurgitation. J Vet Intern Med. 2011;25(6):1312\u20131319. doi:10.1111\/j.1939-1676.2011.00792.x"},{"issue":"1","key":"B5","series-title":"Vet Radiol Ultrasound","first-page":"18","article-title":"Vertebral heart size and vertebral left atrial size reference ranges in healthy Maltese dogs","author":"Baisan RA","year":"2022","unstructured":"Baisan RA, Vulpe V. Vertebral heart size and vertebral left atrial size reference ranges in healthy Maltese dogs. Vet Radiol Ultrasound. 2022;63(1):18\u201322. doi:10.1111\/vru.13027"},{"issue":"4","key":"B6","series-title":"Vet World","first-page":"371","article-title":"Vertebral scale system to measure heart size in thoracic radiographs of Indian Spitz, Labrador Retriever and Mongrel dogs","author":"Bodh D","year":"2016","unstructured":"Bodh D, Hoque M, Saxena AC, Gugjoo MB, Bist D, Chaudhary JK. Vertebral scale system to measure heart size in thoracic radiographs of Indian Spitz, Labrador Retriever and Mongrel dogs. Vet World. 2016;9(4):371\u2013376. doi:10.14202\/vetworld.2016.371-376"},{"issue":"1","key":"B7","series-title":"Vet Radiol Ultrasound","first-page":"3","article-title":"Vertebral heart scores in eight dog breeds","author":"Jepsen-Grant K","year":"2013","unstructured":"Jepsen-Grant K, Pollard R, Johnson L. Vertebral heart scores in eight dog breeds. Vet Radiol Ultrasound. 2013;54(1):3\u20138. doi:10.1111\/j.1740-8261.2012.01976.x"},{"issue":"5","key":"B8","series-title":"Am J Vet Res","first-page":"ajvr.24.01.0010","article-title":"Vertebral heart size and vertebral left atrial size reference ranges in healthy Miniature Schnauzers","author":"Murphy L","year":"2004","unstructured":"Murphy L, Piscitelli N, Solomon J, Szlosek D, Nakamura RK. Vertebral heart size and vertebral left atrial size reference ranges in healthy Miniature Schnauzers. Am J Vet Res. 2004;85(5):ajvr.24.01.0010. doi:10.2460\/ajvr.24.01.0010"},{"issue":"1","key":"B9","series-title":"Vet Radiol Ultrasound","first-page":"10","article-title":"Norwich Terriers possess a greater vertebral heart scale than the canine reference value","author":"Taylor CJ","year":"2020","unstructured":"Taylor CJ, Simon BT, Stanley BJ, Lai GP, Thieman Mankin KM. Norwich Terriers possess a greater vertebral heart scale than the canine reference value. Vet Radiol Ultrasound. 2020;61(1):10\u201315. doi:10.1111\/vru.12813"},{"issue":"9","key":"B10","series-title":"PLoS One","first-page":"e0274085","article-title":"Breed-specific values for vertebral heart score (VHS), vertebral left atrial size (VLAS), and radiographic left atrial dimension (RLAD) in Pugs without cardiac disease, and their relationship to brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)","author":"Wiegel PS","year":"2022","unstructured":"Wiegel PS, Mach R, Nolte I, et al. Breed-specific values for vertebral heart score (VHS), vertebral left atrial size (VLAS), and radiographic left atrial dimension (RLAD) in Pugs without cardiac disease, and their relationship to brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). PLoS One. 2022;17(9):e0274085. doi:10.1371\/journal.pone.0274085"},{"issue":"1","key":"B11","series-title":"Vet Radiol Ultrasound","first-page":"20","article-title":"A radiographic study of breed-specific vertebral heart score and vertebral left atrial size in Chihuahuas","author":"Puccinelli C","year":"2021","unstructured":"Puccinelli C, Citi S, Vezzosi T, Garibaldi S, Tognetti R. A radiographic study of breed-specific vertebral heart score and vertebral left atrial size in Chihuahuas. Vet Radiol Ultrasound. 2021;62(1):20\u201326. doi:10.1111\/vru.12919"},{"issue":"12","key":"B12","series-title":"Am J Vet Res","first-page":"ajvr.24.07.0209","article-title":"Vertebral heart score and vertebral left atrial size reference intervals in Jack Russell Terriers, Miniature Pinschers, and Brussels Griffon","author":"Battinelli GM","year":"2004","unstructured":"Battinelli GM, Piscitelli N, Murphy L, Gentile-Solomon J, Szlosek D, Nakamura RK. Vertebral heart score and vertebral left atrial size reference intervals in Jack Russell Terriers, Miniature Pinschers, and Brussels Griffon. Am J Vet Res. 2004;85(12):ajvr.24.07.0209. doi:10.2460\/ajvr.24.07.0209"},{"issue":"5","key":"B13","series-title":"Vet Radiol Ultrasound","first-page":"400","article-title":"Vertebral heart size ranges specific for Whippets","author":"Bavegems V","year":"2005","unstructured":"Bavegems V, Van Caelenberg A, Duchateau L, Sys SU, Van Bree H, De Rick A. Vertebral heart size ranges specific for Whippets. Vet Radiol Ultrasound. 2005;46(5):400\u2013403. doi:10.1111\/j.1740-8261.2005.00073.x"},{"issue":"5","key":"B14","series-title":"J Small Anim Pract","first-page":"240","article-title":"Vertebral heart scale in the Beagle dog","author":"Kraetschmer S","year":"2008","unstructured":"Kraetschmer S, Ludwig K, Meneses F, Nolte I, Simon D. Vertebral heart scale in the Beagle dog. J Small Anim Pract. 2008;49(5):240\u2013243. doi:10.1111\/j.1748-5827.2007.00531.x"},{"issue":"3","key":"B15","series-title":"Am J Vet Res","first-page":"ajvr.24.10.0320","article-title":"Breed-specific vertebral heart size and vertebral left atrial size reference intervals in Yorkshire Terriers, Pomeranians, Pugs and Boston Terriers","author":"Murphy LA","year":"2025","unstructured":"Murphy LA, Munoz C, Zepeda CI, et al. Breed-specific vertebral heart size and vertebral left atrial size reference intervals in Yorkshire Terriers, Pomeranians, Pugs and Boston Terriers. Am J Vet Res. 2025;86(3):ajvr.24.10.0320. doi:10.2460\/ajvr.24.10.0320"},{"issue":"7","key":"B16","series-title":"Am J Vet Res","first-page":"ajvr.25.01.0017","article-title":"Vertebral heart size and vertebral left atrial size reference intervals in Shetland Sheepdogs, Cairn Terriers, Italian Greyhounds, and English Springer Spaniels","author":"Murphy LA","year":"2025","unstructured":"Murphy LA, Zepeda CI, Piscitelli N, Gentile-Solomon J, Szlosek D, Nakamura RK. Vertebral heart size and vertebral left atrial size reference intervals in Shetland Sheepdogs, Cairn Terriers, Italian Greyhounds, and English Springer Spaniels. Am J Vet Res. 2025;86(7):ajvr.25.01.0017. doi:10.2460\/ajvr.25.01.0017"},{"key":"B17","year":"2024","unstructured":"Getting to know the sighthound breeds. American Kennel Club. Last modified July 1, 2024. Accessed April 27, 2025. https:\/\/www.akc.org\/expert-advice\/dog-breeds\/meet-sighthound-breeds\/"},{"issue":"4","key":"B18","series-title":"Vet Rad Ultra","first-page":"332","article-title":"Vertebral heart size in retired racing Greyhounds","author":"Marin LM","year":"2007","unstructured":"Marin LM, Brown J, McBrien C, Baumwart R, Samii VF, Couto CG. Vertebral heart size in retired racing Greyhounds. Vet Rad Ultra. 2007;48(4):332\u2013334. doi:10.1111\/j.1740-8261.2007.00252.x"},{"issue":"8","key":"B19","series-title":"J Am Vet Med Assoc","first-page":"1038","article-title":"Diagnostic value of vertebral left atrial size as determined from thoracic radiographs for assessment of left atrial size in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease","author":"Malcolm EL","year":"2018","unstructured":"Malcolm EL, Visser LC, Phillips KL, Johnson LR. Diagnostic value of vertebral left atrial size as determined from thoracic radiographs for assessment of left atrial size in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2018;253(8):1038\u20131045. doi:10.2460\/javma.253.8.1038"},{"key":"B20","series-title":"EP28-A3c: Defining, Establishing, and Verifying Reference Intervals in the Clinical Laboratory","year":"2010","unstructured":"Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. EP28-A3c: Defining, Establishing, and Verifying Reference Intervals in the Clinical Laboratory. 3rd ed. Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute; 2010."},{"issue":"4","key":"B21","series-title":"J Vet Intern Med","first-page":"220","article-title":"Effect of breed and body weight on echocardiographic values in four breeds of dogs of differing somatotype","author":"Morrison SA","year":"1992","unstructured":"Morrison SA, Moise NS, Scarlett J, Mohammed H, Yeager AE. Effect of breed and body weight on echocardiographic values in four breeds of dogs of differing somatotype. J Vet Intern Med. 1992;6(4):220\u2013224. doi:10.1111\/j.1939-1676.1992.tb00342.x"},{"issue":"5","key":"B22","series-title":"J Vet Cardiol","first-page":"301","article-title":"Echocardiographic variables in healthy North American Salukis","author":"Kurosawa TA","year":"2018","unstructured":"Kurosawa TA, Sist MD, Sanders RA. Echocardiographic variables in healthy North American Salukis. J Vet Cardiol. 2018;20(5):301\u2013306. doi:10.1016\/j.jvc.2018.07.003"},{"issue":"4","key":"B23","series-title":"J Vet Cardiol","first-page":"271","article-title":"Simpson\u2019s method of discs in Salukis and Whippets: echocardiographic reference intervals for end-diastolic and end-systolic left ventricular volumes","author":"Seckerdieck M","year":"2015","unstructured":"Seckerdieck M, Holler P, Smets P, Wess G. Simpson\u2019s method of discs in Salukis and Whippets: echocardiographic reference intervals for end-diastolic and end-systolic left ventricular volumes. J Vet Cardiol. 2015;17(4):271\u2013281. doi:10.1016\/j.jvc.2015.08.002"},{"key":"B24","series-title":"Am J Vet Res","first-page":"1","article-title":"Echocardiographic values and prevalence of cardiac abnormalities in clinically healthy adult Borzoi dogs","author":"Wesselowski S","year":"2024","unstructured":"Wesselowski S, Sykes KT, Saunders AB, Were SB. Echocardiographic values and prevalence of cardiac abnormalities in clinically healthy adult Borzoi dogs. Am J Vet Res. 2024;1\u201310. doi:10.2460\/ajvr.23.11.0255"},{"key":"B25","series-title":"Front Vet Sci","first-page":"1102494","article-title":"A multicenter, retrospective study of cardiac disease in Borzoi dogs","author":"Sykes KT","year":"2023","unstructured":"Sykes KT, Wesselowski S, Saunders AB, et al. A multicenter, retrospective study of cardiac disease in Borzoi dogs. Front Vet Sci. 2023;10:1102494. doi:10.3389\/fvets.2023.1102494"},{"issue":"4","key":"B26","series-title":"Vet Clin Pathol","first-page":"441","article-title":"ASVCP reference interval guidelines: determination of de novo reference intervals in veterinary species and other related topics","author":"Friedrichs KR","year":"2012","unstructured":"Friedrichs KR, Harr KE, Freeman KP, et al. ASVCP reference interval guidelines: determination of de novo reference intervals in veterinary species and other related topics. Vet Clin Pathol. 2012;41(4):441\u2013453. doi:10.1111\/vcp.12006"},{"issue":"4","key":"B27","series-title":"J Appl Physiol","first-page":"1365","article-title":"Effect of endurance training on cardiac morphology in Alaskan sled dogs","author":"Stepien RL","year":"1998","unstructured":"Stepien RL, Hinchcliff KW, Constable PD, Olson J. Effect of endurance training on cardiac morphology in Alaskan sled dogs. J Appl Physiol. 1998;85(4):1365\u20131375. doi:10.1152\/jappl.1998.85.4.1368"},{"issue":"2","key":"B28","series-title":"J Am Anim Hosp Assoc","first-page":"73","article-title":"Breed-specific vertebral heart scale for the Dachshund","author":"Birks R","year":"2017","unstructured":"Birks R, Fine DM, Leach SB, et al. Breed-specific vertebral heart scale for the Dachshund. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc. 2017;53(2):73\u201379. doi:10.5326\/jaaha-ms-6474"},{"issue":"2","key":"B29","series-title":"Vet Sci","first-page":"168","article-title":"Thoracic vertebral length-to-height ratio, a promising parameter to predict the vertebral heart score in normal Welsh Corgi Pembroke dogs","author":"Tangpakornsak T","year":"2023","unstructured":"Tangpakornsak T, Saisawart P, Sutthigran S, et al. Thoracic vertebral length-to-height ratio, a promising parameter to predict the vertebral heart score in normal Welsh Corgi Pembroke dogs. Vet Sci. 2023;10(2):168. doi:10.3390\/vetsci10020168"},{"issue":"10","key":"B30","series-title":"J Am Vet Med Assoc","first-page":"1091","article-title":"Effect of cardiac and respiratory cycles on vertebral heart score measured on fluoroscopic images of healthy dogs","author":"Olive J","year":"2015","unstructured":"Olive J, Javard R, Specchi S, et al. Effect of cardiac and respiratory cycles on vertebral heart score measured on fluoroscopic images of healthy dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2015;246(10):1091\u20131097. doi:10.2460\/javma.246.10.1091"},{"issue":"1","key":"B31","series-title":"J Vet Cardiol","first-page":"33","article-title":"Radiographic cardiac size in cats and dogs with heartworm disease compared with reference values using the vertebral heart scale method: 53 cases","author":"Litster A","year":"2005","unstructured":"Litster A, Atkins C, Atwell R, Buchanan J. Radiographic cardiac size in cats and dogs with heartworm disease compared with reference values using the vertebral heart scale method: 53 cases. J Vet Cardiol. 2005;7(1):33\u201340. doi:10.1016\/j.jvc.2005.02.002"},{"issue":"8","key":"B32","series-title":"J Am Vet Med Assoc","first-page":"1048","article-title":"Accuracy of radiographic vertebral heart score and sphericity index in the detection of pericardial effusion in dogs","author":"Guglielmini C","year":"2012","unstructured":"Guglielmini C, Diana A, Santarelli G, et al. Accuracy of radiographic vertebral heart score and sphericity index in the detection of pericardial effusion in dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2012;241(8):1048\u20131055. doi:10.2460\/javma.241.8.1048"},{"key":"B33","series-title":"J Vet Cardiol","first-page":"99","article-title":"Association of diet with clinical outcomes in dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure","author":"Walker A","year":"2022","unstructured":"Walker A, DeFrancecso TC, Bonagura JD, et al. Association of diet with clinical outcomes in dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure. J Vet Cardiol. 2022;40:99\u2013109. doi:10.1016\/j.jvc.2021.02.001"}],"container-title":["American Journal of Veterinary Research"],"original-title":[],"link":[{"URL":"https:\/\/avmajournals.avma.org\/view\/journals\/ajvr\/87\/4\/ajvr.25.11.0394.xml","content-type":"text\/html","content-version":"vor","intended-application":"text-mining"},{"URL":"https:\/\/avmajournals.avma.org\/downloadpdf\/journals\/ajvr\/87\/4\/ajvr.25.11.0394.xml","content-type":"text\/html","content-version":"vor","intended-application":"syndication"},{"URL":"https:\/\/avmajournals.avma.org\/downloadpdf\/journals\/ajvr\/87\/4\/ajvr.25.11.0394.xml","content-type":"unspecified","content-version":"vor","intended-application":"similarity-checking"}],"deposited":{"date-parts":[[2026,4,1]],"date-time":"2026-04-01T21:18:47Z","timestamp":1775078327000},"score":1,"resource":{"primary":{"URL":"https:\/\/avmajournals.avma.org\/view\/journals\/ajvr\/87\/4\/ajvr.25.11.0394.xml"}},"subtitle":[],"short-title":[],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026,4,1]]},"references-count":66,"journal-issue":{"issue":"4"},"URL":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.2460\/ajvr.25.11.0394","relation":{},"ISSN":["0002-9645","1943-5681"],"issn-type":[{"value":"0002-9645","type":"print"},{"value":"1943-5681","type":"electronic"}],"subject":[],"published":{"date-parts":[[2026,4,1]]}}}