Reference values for echocardiographic parameters in healthy Weimaraner dogs

Echocardiography is an essential diagnostic tool for evaluating cardiac disease, but reference values for echocardiographic variables may differ among dog breeds. Establishing breed-specific reference values is particularly important for Weimaraners because the breed is considered predisposed to dilated cardiomyopathy. The aim of this study was to establish breed-specific reference intervals for echocardiographic variables in clinically healthy Weimaraners. A total of 339 clinically healthy Weimaraners met the inclusion criteria. Each dog underwent cardiac auscultation, electrocardiography, and a standard echocardiographic examination. Measurements included cardiac chamber dimensions, ventricular wall thicknesses, indices of left ventricular size and systolic function, heart rate, and blood flow velocities across the aorta and pulmonary artery. Reference intervals were established for these variables. Significant sex-related differences were found in several measurements of left ventricular dimensions and wall thicknesses, left ventricular volumes, and left atrial and aortic dimensions. These reference intervals are important for the accurate echocardiographic evaluation of Weimaraners and may facilitate the early detection and accurate diagnosis of cardiac disease. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to provide comprehensive breed-specific echocardiographic reference intervals for clinically healthy Weimaraners.