Distinguishing Cardiac and Noncardiac Dyspnea in 48 Dogs Using Plasma Atrial Natriuretic Factor, B-type Natriuretic Factor, Endothelin, and Cardiac Troponin-i

Abstract

Plasma NT-proANP, BNP, and ET-1, but not cTnI, appear useful for distinguishing between dogs with cardiac and noncardiac causes of dyspnea, with plasma NT-proANP having the highest sensitivity (95.5%) and specificity (84.6%).

Relationship of Plasma N‐terminal Pro‐brain Natriuretic Peptide Concentrations to Heart Failure Classification and Cause of Respiratory Distress in Dogs Using a 2nd Generation ELISA Assay

“…This indicated that plasma [NT‐proBNP] was useful and accurate within the context of 81% specificity and 73% sensitivity, using a 2,447 pmol/L cut‐off value. Other studies of dogs have reported relatively similar natriuretic peptide sensitivity and specificity with respective values ranging from 85 to 82.4%,28 86.4 to 80.8%,4 90 to 78%,5 and 85.5 to 81.3% 8. Our study confirmed the utility of measuring plasma [NT‐proBNP] to help discriminate cardiac from noncardiac causes of dyspnea, consistent with earlier reports 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 27, 28…”

“…Measurement of natriuretic peptides including canine N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide concentration ([NT‐proBNP]) provides insights to distinguish cardiac from noncardiac respiratory distress,3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 assess heart disease (HD) severity,7, 9, 10, 11 predict onset of CHF,11 provide prognostic information in myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD),10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM),15, 16 and help with treatment decisions 17…”

Effect of Breed on Plasma Endothelin‐1 Concentration, Plasma Renin Activity, and Serum Cortisol Concentration in Healthy Dogs

“…There are breed differences in concentrations of natriuretic peptides and catecholamines in the same healthy dogs 11, 15. Several of these substances are altered in development of cardiac or renal disease and have been investigated as potential biomarkers for disease in dogs 4, 5, 6, 8, 24. A clinically useful test requires an upper reference limit for healthy dogs, and cut‐off values for dogs with subclinical disease or clinical signs of disease.…”

“…In dogs, increased concentrations of ET‐1 have been found in chronic kidney disease and ET‐1 has been suggested a biomarker of hypertension 6. In one study, plasma concentrations of ET‐1 were twice as high in dogs with congestive heart failure compared to controls,26 and studies indicate that ET‐1 could aid in distinguishing between cardiac and noncardiac causes of dyspnea in dogs 5, 8. ET‐1 has also been suggested an useful predictor of poor prognosis in dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy 4.…”

“…The systems are also activated in development of cardiac and renal disease and several of these substances have been suggested as biomarkers of disease in dogs 4, 5, 6. However, many physiologic and pathologic factors might influence neuroendocrine concentrations,5, 7, 8 making interpretation of test results difficult. Dog breed is one potential such factor 9…”