Echocardiographic values in healthy Pugs: Effect of body weight, age, and sex

Abstract

Background: Transthoracic echocardiography represents the main noninvasive technique for evaluating cardiac
morphology and function in dogs. In dogs with particular somatotypes, such as brachymorphic dogs, breed-specific
echocardiographic values are needed for a proper echocardiographic interpretation. Nowadays, the Pug represents one
of the most popular brachymorphic canine breeds worldwide. However, data on echocardiographic measurements in
this breed are currently limited.
Aim: We aimed to determine echocardiographic values in a population of apparently healthy Pugs, and to assess the
possible effects of body weight (BW), age, and sex on selected echocardiographic variables, with particular emphasis
on those related to the left-sided cardiac chambers.
Methods: Apparently healthy Pugs underwent a full physical examination, a 1-minute six-lead electrocardiogram, and
a complete transthoracic echocardiography. Twenty-four echocardiographic variables were measured by combining
M-mode, two-dimensional and Doppler modalities, and relative values were determined by applying the statistical
procedures recommended by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. Moreover, the effect of selected demographic variables on echocardiographic measurements was tested using a linear mixed model.
Results: The investigation included 86 Pugs. Echocardiographic values were provided for each variable and compared
with previous veterinary literature. A statistically significant effect of BW, age, and sex was documented for several
of the tested variables. Doppler examination demonstrated a trivial pulmonary regurgitation in 24/86 (27.9%) Pugs.
Moreover, a persistent left cranial vena cava was suspected in 4/86 (4.7%) dogs.
Conclusion: Echocardiographic features of the Pug were addressed and echocardiographic values were made available
for clinical use. Because our findings were obtained using a standardized echocardiographic analysis in a population of
86 healthy Pugs, they may act as a reliable guide for an accurate echocardiographic interpretation in this breed.