Effect of Medetomidine Administration on Vertebral Heart Score in Scottish Fold Cats

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of medetomidine on the vertebral heart score (VHS) in Scottish Fold cats. The VHS method, commonly used in veterinary practice, provides a reliable means to assess cardiac size via radiographic imaging. Understanding the effects of sedative drugs on such measurements is essential, particularly in clinical settings involving animals with potential cardiac concerns. A total of 20 Scottish Fold cats, aged between 8 and 48 months and weighing 2.8-5.9 kg, were included in the study. Sedation was induced using an intramuscular injection of medetomidine (80 µg/kg), and radiographic images were obtained at five time points: pre-sedation (T0) and at 5, 10, 30, and 45 minutes post-administration (T1-T4). The VHS was evaluated from left laterolateral (LL) and ventrodorsal (VD) X-rays, and statistical comparisons were performed between these intervals. There was a statistically significant increase in VHS between the pre-sedation (T0) and 45-minute (T4) measurements (P