A New Graphical Method for Displaying Two-Dimensional Echocardiography Results in Dogs: Comprehensive Analysis of Results of Diagnostic Imaging Organized in a BOX (CARDIOBOX)

Abstract

Introduction and objective: Rapid and efficient interpretation of echocardiographic findings is critical in clinical decision-making. This study aimed to design and validate a new graphical method, called CARDIOBOX, to represent echocardiographic findings in dogs. Methods: A prospective, observational, exploratory cohort study was conducted over three years. The design of CARDIOBOX was based on baseline values obtained from 802 healthy dogs and 2165 ill dogs. Using these data, a graph consisting of nine boxes was built to show the intervals of the different echocardiographic measurements. Validation of the method was performed by a survey of 55 veterinarians, who compared the use of CARDIOBOX with the use of numerical tables. Results: CARDIOBOX demonstrated significantly faster interpretability (p < 0.05) without reducing its effectiveness. In addition, the staff surveyed considered it easy to use and interpret. Conclusions: The introduction of CARDIOBOX emerges as a resource that facilitates rapid and efficient interpretation of echocardiographic findings in dogs. This new graphical method is presented as a valuable tool for veterinary professionals in clinical decision-making in the field of veterinary cardiology.