The detailed information
between plasma N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) concentrations and
dogs with pulmonic stenosis (PS) is still unknown. The aim of the present study was to
investigate the clinical utility of measuring plasma NT-proBNP concentrations in dogs with
PS and to determine whether plasma NT-proBNP concentration could be used to assess disease
severity. This retrospective study enrolled 30 client-owned, untreated dogs with PS
(asymptomatic [n=23] and symptomatic [n=7]) and 11 healthy laboratory beagles. Results of
physical examination, thoracic radiography and echocardiography were recorded. Plasma
NT-proBNP concentrations were measured using commercial laboratories. Compared to the
healthy control dogs, cardiothoracic ratio was significantly increased in dogs with both
asymptomatic and symptomatic PS. Similarly, the ratio of the main pulmonary artery to
aorta was significantly decreased in dogs with both asymptomatic and symptomatic PS. The
pulmonic pressure gradient in the symptomatic PS dogs was significantly higher than that
in the asymptomatic PS dogs. Plasma NT-proBNP concentration was significantly elevated in
the symptomatic PS dogs compared to the healthy control dogs and the asymptomatic PS dogs.
Furthermore, the Doppler-derived pulmonic pressure gradient was significantly correlated
with the plasma NT-proBNP concentration (r=0.78,
r2=0.61, P<0.0001). Plasma NT-proBNP
concentration >764 pmol/l to identify severe PS had a sensitivity of
76.2% and specificity of 81.8%. The plasma NT-proBNP concentration increased by
spontaneous PS, i.e. right-sided pressure overload and can be used as an additional method
to assess the severity of PS in dogs.