2017 ACVIM Forum Research Abstract Program

This retrospective study identified dogs that underwent thoracic radiographs and an echocardiogram on the same day at the Oregon State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital between 2012 and 2014. All thoracic radiographic views were anonymized and reviewed by 2 board-certified cardiologists, 2 board-certified radiologists, and 2 small animal rotating interns. Radiographs were evaluated for the presence or absence of LAE, severity of LAE if present (mild, moderate, or severe), and presence or absence of 7 pre-defined subjective LAE criteria. On the lateral projection these included elevation of the left caudal mainstem bronchus, loss of the normal gentle curvature of the caudal margin of the cardiac silhouette, straightening of the caudodorsal margins of the cardiac silhouette, and increased height of the caudodorsal border of the heart. On the ventrodorsal and dorsoventral projections, these criteria included divergence (or splaying) of the principal bronchi, a double opacity sign on 5.00-7.00 o'clock position on the cardiac silhouette, and evidence of left auricular enlargement at the 2:30-3 o'clock position.