Evaluation of NT-proBNP a Cardiac Biomarker for the Early Diagnosis of Cardiac Disease in Dogs

Abstract

The present study investigates the diagnostic efficacy of NT-pro BNP (N Terminal pro B–type natriuretic peptide) a cardiac marker in evaluation of cardiac diseases in dogs. 356 dogs suspected of having cardiac diseases based on clinical signs were subjected to detailed physical examination, electrocardiography and radiography. Serum samples from dogs positive for cardiac diseases were evaluated for NT-pro BNP and triglycerides, cholesterol, CK and LDH were also estimated for comparative study. 36 dogs were found positive with a prevalence of 10.11%. The diseases include Dilated Cardiomyopathy, Myocardial Ischemia and Infarction, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and Conduction Defects. Radiography revealed a Vertebral Heart Score of 9.44±0.16 in dogs with cardiac diseases. A highly significant increase in NT-pro BNP was noted in dogs with cardiac diseases as compared to normal healthy dogs. Values of triglycerides, cholesterol, creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), though elevated in affected dogs, were within the normal range of the given species. In conclusion, NT-pro BNP can be used as a reliable diagnostic cardiac marker in the absence of sophisticated imaging techniques in veterinary practice.