ESS RI Raw Data Dickson Jun-16.xlsx

OBJECTIVES: To establish transthoracic echocardiographic reference intervals in adult English springer
spaniel dogs.

METHODS: Forty-two healthy adult English springer spaniels were prospectively recruited from a general
practice population in the UK. Animals were examined twice, at least 12 months apart, to exclude dogs with
progressive cardiac disease. Reference intervals were calculated using Box-Cox transformations and specific
variables were depicted within an expert consensus range. Relationships of body mass, age and heart rate with
cardiac structure and function were examined and functional assessments were compared with previous
reports. Reference intervals were compared against published ratiometric indices and allometric scaling
models.

RESULTS: Thirty-nine dogs contributed to create the reference intervals. Significant relationships with body
weight, age and heart rate were detected, although low coefficients of determination were found. Fractional
shortening values were lower than has been reported in many breeds but Simpson-derived ejection fractions
were similar to previously published breed-specific values.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Breed-specific reference intervals are reported allowing for more appropriate
interpretation of echocardiographic assessments in the English springer spaniel.