AI tool aims to improve precision of canine heart disease measurements

Veterinary clinicians rely on chest radiographs to track subtle changes in heart size in dogs with cardiac disease, a measurement that can dictate when to initiate or adjust treatment. Even a difference of a few millimetres can alter a treatment plan, yet the precision of these measurements is often inconsistent from one practitioner to another.

The variability stems from differences in image positioning, interpretation of anatomical landmarks, and the subjective nature of manual measurement. As a result, a clinician may attribute a change in heart size to disease progression when it is simply a variation in technique, or conversely, overlook a true deterioration. This uncertainty complicates decision‑making for owners and veterinarians alike, underscoring the need for standardized protocols or advanced imaging tools to improve reliability.