Color-coded longitudinal interventricular septal tissue velocity imaging, strain and strain rate in healthy Doberman Pinschers.

Objective: To determine reference values for septal longitudinal tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) in Doberman Pinschers.

Background: TDI includes several new techniques, such as tissue velocity imaging (TVI), strain, and strain rate that might be used to detect early myocardial dysfunction. However, before these techniques can be used, breed specific reference ranges need to be established.

Animals, Materials And Methods: One-hundred healthy Doberman Pinschers ≥ 4 years of age were prospectively evaluated using electrocardiography, Holter recording, and echocardiography. Systolic, early and late diastolic parameters of septal longitudinal color-coded TVI, strain, and strain rate were analyzed in three myocardial segments (basal, middle, and apical).

Results: TDI was feasible in all Doberman Pinschers. Reference values were established for every myocardial segment. There was a significant velocity gradient from the basal to the apical segment for all TVI parameters. No differences between the three segments were found for systolic strain and strain rate. Several diastolic strain rate values were significantly different between myocardial segments. Influence of age, weight, and gender was not clinically relevant.

Conclusions: This study provides reference values for TVI, strain, and strain rate in Doberman Pinschers. The parameters established here can be used for a supportive diagnostic approach.