Is my dog's high VHS score from anxiety? Is it dangerous?

If Phoebe's VHS is truly 10.5, then her heart may be enlarged; however I would want to be sure that you took the radiograph correctly and had assistance measuring the long and short axes of the heart, since this is typically done by veterinarians or veterinary radiologists. Typically, a VHS of greater than 10 is considered abnormal in cats, however many people feel that the short axis measurement is more predictive of heart disease, and typically anything within the range of 2.9 - 4.1 is considered "normal." However, I will add that many veterinary radiologists are questioning the value of the VHS in predicting heart disease. Phoebe's overall measurement is considered abnormal, so likely the best recommendation is to have an echocardiogram done in order to accurate assess heart function, and predict whether she will develop problems in the future.

Hello and thank you for using Pet Coach! Based on the radiograph you attached, the vertebral heart score (VHS) is on the larger measurement and overall the heart does have increased contact with the sternum. There does not appear to be evidence of heart failure, but I am limited with one x-ray view and no ability to adjust the contrast. I don't know what medication your veterinarian started Bono on but in this case, I would recommend starting omega 3 fish oil, Pimobendan (prescription medication that helps delay on the onset of heart failure and helps the heart pump more efficiently). I would also look into heart supplements such as Standard Process Whole Body Support and Cardiac support (if available in your country). Here is an article from my hospital on heart disease and what to look out for. Mitral valve disease is one of the most common heart conditions we see in dogs. I hope this helps and provides you with more information. If you have any concerns, I would reach out to the veterinarian who has been seeing Bono. https://www.neighborhoodvetclinic.com/degenerative-valve-disease-myxomatous-mitral-valve-disease/

I don’t think the heart looks terribly enlarged, maybe on the big side of normal. Ask the vet who took the rads if they are able to submit them to a radiologist for review. (A radiologist is a vet who spent at least 3 additional years to do a residency to specialize and study only imaging. Their expertise is really valuable in cases that are not clear cut and obvious.) If his lab work is all normal, and a radiologist is concerned about the appearance of the heart, then it’s logical to seek out an echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart) by a veterinary cardiologist. If a radiologist does NOT think the heart looks questionable, and Boo’s lab work is all normal, it might be worth considering an abdominal ultrasound (sonogram of the belly) to see if there are any abnormalities there (enlarged lymph nodes, abnormal spleen, any abnormality in GI or urinary tract, etc). I hope that’s helpful, sorry there is no easy clear cut answer. Interpreting X-rays is like looking at 1 piece of a puzzle. History and clinical signs, physical exam, lab work, and other imaging all tie in to the bigger picture. If you would like to have a consult, I may be able to help you further with more information, and would do my best to help point you in the right direction. Thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

I'm glad Trinket was seen by a veterinarian and they didn't think her heart was a problem. I recommend using a little notebook to keep track of her resting respiratory rate. You can record the number of breaths she takes when she is sleeping and monitor this over time. If this number is increasing over time it is worth a recheck with your veterinarian. If Trinket seems fine during the day, and the number is higher one time, that is not a need for concern. It is trend over time that is more important. For anxiety, I like Composure chews and Adaptil diffusers. If these don't help, there are prescription medications that you can discuss with your veterinarian. https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/dog/dog-health-and-wellness/dog-calming-aids/comfort-zone-diffuser-with-dap-for-dogs

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This can certainly be due to being nervous or anxious from loud noises. However, if this continues, other possibilities like a respiratory condition should be considered. If it continues despite the loud noises not being present, she should be evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Good luck and have a great day!

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Coughing and bringing up clear liquid could be coughing up stuff instead of vomiting. This is important to try to differentiate. Coughing up liquid is more consistent with heart disease. The x-rays are difficult to read as the image transfer through is of poor quality and to really assess the lungs you need good quality images, however the heart does look a bit enlarged and the lungs do look a bit 'white'. I cannot assess the liver on these radiographs as you cannot see them. An enlarged heart, white lungs (fluid in the lungs), and an enlarged liver is consistent with both right and left sided heart disease. I recommend you return either to your vet, or another vet, and get a specialist ultrasound of the heart (an 'echo') to determine if heart medications are required. Your vet can also listen to the heart to see if a murmur is present in the heart, or 'crackles' are heard on the lungs. Heart disease is very serious and needs medications to manage. Without these Lily unfortunately will essentially drown in her own lungs, if heart disease is the problem. I suggest a recheck as soon as possible to get this figured out. Best of luck with Lily, I hope she feels better soon.

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I can explain some of these findings for you: Temperature is normal. Pulse and respiratory rate are mildly elevated for a 60lb dog but this could have been due to mild stress. MM is mucous membranes, or gums, which should be pink and moist. CRT is capillary refill time, which is a test of blood perfusion of tissues - <2 seconds is normal. EENT (ears/eyes/nose/throat) WNL (within normal limits). The muffled heart sounds could be indicative of thick fur, but can also be a sign of fluid present around the heart (called pericardial effusion). Diesel's lungs sounded normal. His abdomen palpated enlarged, and free fluid in the abdomen was suspected, which is abnormal. LN/NS (lymph nodes and nervous system) within normal limits. MS (musculoskeletal) - he was limping on his right front leg after x-rays were taken, but NSF (no significant findings) were found on palpation of the leg. He was standing with his wrist (carpus) slightly flexed. No pain in hind limbs, albeit slightly decreased range of motion (ROM). I would be most concerned about the muffled heart sounds (possibility of pericardial effusion) and abdominal fluid. It sounds like Diesel would benefit from chest x-rays and abdominal x-rays and/or abdominal ultrasound to evaluate his heart and abdominal organs, to see if there is evidence of cancer that may warrant a visit to an oncologist. I hope this is helpful!