Reference Intervals for Caudal Vena Cava to Aorta Ratio in Cats
Author Information
Author(s): Adam Whitelock, Wendy Goodwin, Shaun Pratt, Katherine Nash
Primary Institution: School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, Australia
Hypothesis
Can the caudal vena cava to aorta (CVC:Ao) ratio be used to assess intravascular volume responsiveness in healthy cats?
Conclusion
The CVC:Ao ratio can be assessed at four anatomical locations in healthy cats, with the hepatorenal and iliac bifurcation sites being the easiest to visualize.
Supporting Evidence
- The CVC:Ao ratio was successfully measured in all cats by both operators.
- Reference intervals were established for the CVC:Ao ratio at four ultrasound sites.
- The hepatorenal and iliac bifurcation sites had the highest ease-of-visualisation scores.
- All ultrasound sites showed poor intra- and inter-observer agreement.
- Further studies are needed to assess the CVC:Ao ratio in cats with altered volume status.
Takeaway
This study looked at how to measure a specific ratio in cats to help understand their blood volume, and found some good ways to do it.
Methodology
Ultrasound examinations were performed on 42 healthy cats at four different anatomical sites to measure the CVC:Ao ratio.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the subjective nature of ultrasound measurements and the limited experience of one operator.
Limitations
The study only included healthy cats, which may not represent those with altered volume status.
Participant Demographics
20 female and 22 male cats, all desexed, median age 3 years, median weight 4.3 kg.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
90%
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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