[Comparative evaluation of radiography and electrocardiography for diagnosis of cardiac enlargement in dog]

ABSTRACT

To compare the obtained results of radiography and electrocardiography [ECG] for diagnosis of cardiac enlargement in dogs. Descriptive study. Twenty two different breed dogs of both sexes were suspected as having cardiac disorders based on clinical signs. Complete physical examination, CBC, evaluation of probable diseases, recording of ECG [without using of sedatives in standard condition] and taking radiographs in lateral and dorso-ventral positions of thorax were done. VHS index [Vertebral Heart Scale] was measured in all of animals based on lateral thoracic radiographs. Likelihood Ratio and Fisher's Exact test for reliability of the data with Phi Table. Seven out of 22 cases showed cardiac enlargement signs in electrocardiography. In 5 cases the disease was confirmed by radiography. Among studied parameters for diagnosis of cardiac enlargement, we have found a correlation between radiography and electrocardiography, and radiography and VHS. Meanwhile, the latter showed stronger reliability