Cardiological Reference Intervals in Adult American Staffordshire Terrier Dogs

SIMPLE SUMMARY: The American Staffordshire Terrier (AST) is a canine breed characterized by a very specific body build, high activity, and exuberant temperament. The predispositions of this breed to particular cardiovascular diseases are not known. Breed-specific reference intervals (RI) for echocardiography have been recently established for AST dogs, however, no breed-specific RI for the electrocardiography (ECG), vertebral heart size (VHS), and arterial systolic blood pressure are available. Our study indicates that dogs of the AST breed should be individually approached and the condition of their heart should be assessed against breed-specific RI. Such action will increase the chance to detect even minor deviations from the breed-specific RI and prevent misdiagnosis. ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to determine reference intervals (RI) for echocardiography, electrocardiography (ECG), vertebral heart score (VHS) measurement, and arterial systolic blood pressure (SBP) in American Staffordshire Terrier dogs. The study population included 29 clinically healthy AST dogs of different ages, genders, and body weights. SBP measurement, ECG, thoracic radiography, and echocardiography were performed on each dog. Compared to RIs available for the general population of dogs, the duration of the P wave and QRS complex was longer and VHS was higher. Moreover, the left ventricular dimension in diastole and systole, left atrial dimension, and end point to septal separation values were higher, while the interventricular septum in diastole and systole and aortic root diameter were lower compared to general similar average body weight. The AST breed has a different heart shape, which in this breed is more rounded compared to other dog breeds, especially the deep chest. The specific body structure and the shape of the heart had an impact on the results of the cardiological examination.