Ultrasonographic Characterization of Splenic Height in Clinically Healthy Dogs Across Different Body Weight Categories

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

Mahshid Ghavidel ¹

Farrokhreza Kabir ¹

Vria Tohidi ²

Bita Vazir ³

¹ Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran-Iran.

² Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj-Iran

³ Department of Veterinary Basic Sciences, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran-Iran.

10.22067/ijvst.2026.99940.1674

Abstract

Abstract

Accurate ultrasonographic assessment of splenic dimensions is important when evaluating dogs for possible splenomegaly, but standardized canine data accounting for body-weight variation remain limited. This study characterized ultrasonographic splenic height in clinically healthy dogs and evaluated differences by body-weight categories, sex, and reproductive status. Forty-two clinically healthy dogs underwent physical examination, hematological and serum biochemical screening, and complete abdominal ultrasonography. Sagittal and transverse splenic heights were measured at the level of the splenic hilum. Dogs were classified into study-specific body-weight (<10 kg, 10–20 kg, and >20 kg). Mean ± SD sagittal and transverse heights were 15.43 ± 4.56 mm and 15.96 ± 4.76 mm, respectively. The mean difference between transverse and sagittal measurements was 0.53 mm (95% CI: 0.01–1.04 mm; paired t-test, P = 0.045), with transverse values being systematically higher; the Wilcoxon signed-rank test yielded P = 0.018. Splenic height differed among the three body-weight categories in both planes (both P < 0.001). No statistically significant unadjusted differences were detected by sex or reproductive status; in an exploratory model adjusted for body-weight category, sagittal and transverse heights were lower in males than in females (−2.99 mm, P = 0.001; −2.25 mm, P = 0.041), whereas reproductive status remained non-significant. Continuous body weight was strongly correlated with height (Spearman ρ = 0.83 and 0.79). These findings provide preliminary descriptive data rather than validated reference intervals or diagnostic thresholds. The modest sample size and limited breed diversity warrant cautious interpretation and further evaluation in larger populations.

Keywords

Canine spleen

ultrasonography

splenic height

body weight

Subjects

• Radiology and Ultrasound

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