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ATRIAL AND BRAIN NATRIURETIC N-TERMINAL PEPTIDES (ANP and BNP) AS EARLY MARKERS OF HEART DISEASE IN DOGS

First broadcast on www.provet.co.uk  

This information is provided by Provet for educational purposes only.

You should seek the advice of your veterinarian if your pet is ill as only he or she can correctly advise on the diagnosis and recommend the treatment that is most appropriate for your pet.

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP - a hormone) is secreted by the heart and the concentration of proANP (31-67) is an indicator of heart failure

It has been reported that serum or plasma atrial natriuretic peptide concentrations increase in canine heart failure. An immunoassay ELISA Test for proANP is now available which can assist clinicians in the recognition of heart failure in dogs. The currently available test (VETSIGNTM  Canine CardioSCREEN) requires 50ml serum or plasma per test.

The following results have been determined :

  • proANP concentrations up to 1350 fmol/ml - NORMAL
  • proANP concentrations 1350-1700 fmol/ml - SUSPECT range
  • proANP concentrations over 1700 fmol/ml - 92% POSITIVE probability for heart failure  

The ANP test  has now been largely replaced by the  B-type Natriuritic peptide (BNP) .test

Canine and Feline Cardiopet NT-proBNP Tests are available   - 1ml EDTA Plasma is required.

NT Pro-BNP  

In dogs < 900 pmol/L , In cats  < 100pmol/L = Normal ie not evidence for mycardial stretching or stress.

For detailed guidelines on interpretation of concentrations over 900pmol/L or 100 pmol/L see laboratory websites. 

NT-proBNP tests are now available for dogs and cats : 

Canine Interpretation

NT-pro-BNP levels less than 900 pmol/L are found in normal healthy dogs and it is unlikely that the clinical signs are related to cardiac failure.

NT-pro-BNP levels between 900 and 1800 pmol/L are in the suspect range and in the absence of a murmur or common clinical signs, heart disease is unlikely.

NT-pro-BNP levels greater than 1800 pmol/L Heart disease is likely.
Further investigation and other tests should be performed to confirm this.

Feline Interpretation

NT-pro-BNP levels less than 100 pmol/L are found in normal healthy cats and it is unlikely that the clinical signs are related to cardiac failure.

NT-pro-BNP levels between 100 and 270 pmol/L are in the suspect range and in the absence of a murmur or common clinical signs, heart disease is unlikely.

NT-pro-BNP levels greater than 270 pmol/L Heart disease is likely.

 

Updated January 2016