Differences between breeds of dog in a measure of heart rate variability.
The vasovagal tonus index (VVTI), a time-domain indicator of heart rate variability, was measured in 92 dogs of six breeds (German shepherd dogs, labrador retrievers, cocker spaniels, boxers, bulldogs and cavalier King Charles spaniels). There was a significant difference in VVTI between the six breeds (P = 0.003). Brachycephalic dogs had a higher VVTI than other types of dog (P < 0.005), and when comparing individual breeds brachycephalic breeds tended to have a higher VVTI than non-brachycephalic breeds, although the difference was not always significant. The VVTI was negatively correlated with heart rate (P < 0.01) and dogs suffering from congestive heart failure had a lower VVTI than other dogs, whether compared within or between breeds (P < 0.01).
Doxey
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Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA.
Boswood
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D000818:Animals; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004285:Dogs / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D004562:Electrocardiography / Q000662:veterinary; D005260:Female; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D010375:Pedigree; D012189:Retrospective Studies