How to determine the VVD of dogs? - briefly
To determine the VVD (Veterinary Vaccination Database) status of dogs, veterinarians typically use a combination of the dog's microchip number and the owner's contact information. This method ensures accurate record-keeping and facilitates easy tracking of each dog's vaccination history.
How to determine the VVD of dogs? - in detail
Determining the vertebral heart score (VHS) in dogs is crucial for diagnosing and monitoring cardiac conditions. The VHS, also known as the vertebrothoracic ratio or the cardiothoracic ratio, is a radiographic measurement used to assess the size of the cardiac silhouette relative to the thorax. Here’s a detailed process for determining the VHS in dogs:
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Radiographic Technique: Obtain a high-quality lateral thoracic radiograph. Ensure that the dog is positioned correctly, with its spine straight and the vertebrae clearly visible. The heart should be fully included within the field of view.
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Identification of Landmarks: Locate the following anatomical landmarks:
- Vertebral Heart Score (VHS) Line: Draw a line from the cranial aspect of T4 to the caudal aspect of T10. This line represents the VHS line.
- Heart Base: Identify the most cranial and caudal points of the heart base, which are typically located at the level of the carina. Draw a perpendicular line from this point to intersect with the VHS line.
- Apex Beat: Identify the most cranial and caudal points of the heart apex beat, which is usually located at the level of T8-T9. Draw another perpendicular line from this point to intersect with the VHS line.
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Measurement: Measure the distance between the two intersection points on the VHS line. This distance represents the vertebral heart score (VHS).
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Interpretation: The VHS is considered normal if it falls within a specific range, which varies depending on the breed and size of the dog. Generally, a VHS greater than 10.5-11.0 in large or giant breeds, or greater than 9.5-10.0 in small to medium breeds, may indicate cardiac enlargement.
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Considerations: Factors such as body condition, respiratory phase (inspiration vs. expiration), and positioning can influence the VHS measurement. It is important to take these into account during interpretation.
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Follow-up: If the VHS indicates cardiac enlargement, further diagnostic workups, such as echocardiography, may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis and monitor the condition over time.
By following this detailed process, veterinarians can accurately determine the VHS in dogs, facilitating early detection and effective management of cardiac conditions.