Objective radiographic evaluation of cardiac size in clinically normal Zaraibi goats

Radiographic evaluation plays a crucial role in the prediction and diagnosis of cardiac disease. Vertebral heart score (VHS) and cardiothoracic ratio (CTR) provide an objective measure to evaluate cardiac size. The aim of the present study was to establish the normal reference values of VHS and CTR in 25 clinically normal Zaraibi goats with homogenous age and body weight. Complete clinical, electrocardiographic, echocardiographic and radiographic examinations were included. The VHS and CTR were calculated from right lateral inspiratory radiographs. The VHS ranged from 7.3 to 8.8 (mean ± SD 8.0 ± 0.4) vertebrae and the CTR ranged from 17.1 to 24.6 (mean ± SD 20.1 ± 2.2) %. Significant weak correlation was recorded between VHS and CTR. Vertebral heart score and cardiothoracic ratio are clinically useful tool to evaluate cardiac size in Zaraibi goats.