title: Reference intervals for transthoracic echocardiography in the English springer spaniel: a prospective, longitudinal study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  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 bodyweight, 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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Breed-specific reference intervals are reported allowing for more appropriate interpretation of echocardiographic assessments in the English springer spaniel.
authors: HeartVets, Porthcawl, CF36 5LD. dave@heartvets.co.uk.
authors: D
authors: D
authors: Dickson
authors: Cardiff School of Sport, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, CF23 6XD.
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Shave
authors: Veterinary Information Network, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Rishniw
authors: HeartVets, Dursley, GL11 6AJ.
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Harris
authors: HeartVets, Dursley, GL11 6AJ.
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Patteson
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D001835:Body Weight; D004285:Dogs / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D004452:Echocardiography / Q000662:veterinary*; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012016:Reference Values