Cardiology: The NT-proBNP value in the blood of dogs and cats

Cardiology: Canine and Feline NT-proBNP values in the blood

Standard diagnostics in cardiology include medical history, clinical examination with auscultation in a quiet environment, and often ECG, X-rays, and echocardiography, continuing to represent the gold standard.

However, biomarkers, such as NT-proBNP levels, can also be measured in the blood; snap tests for dogs and cats are available on the market since a few years.

What is NT-proBNP?

NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide) occurs through cleavage of the natriuretic hormone proBNP. The proBNP is formed and released by the myocardial cells in cases of myocardial ischaemia and chronic ventricular overload (→increased wall tension).
ProBNP reduces cardiac stress by promoting diuresis and acts as a RAAS system antagonist by slowing aldosterone production.
Pro-BNP rapidly breaks down in the body into BNP (active form) and NT-proBNP.

NT-proBNP has a much longer half-life, one of the reasons it is used for assessment.

What is the purpose of determining NT-proBNP?

NT-proBNP is applicable for a variety of cardiological issues, including:

• To assist in the differentiating between cardiac and respiratory causes for dyspnoea or cough
• In animals with suspected heart disease (e.g. genetic predisposition such as the "Doberman cardiomyopathy" or feline HCM) who do not yet present clinical signs → assistance in deciding whether further diagnostics such as X-ray or ultrasound should be carried out or as early detection in the case of (still) negative imaging results.
• Follow-up and monitoring of heart failure treatment

Can the NT-pro BNP biomarker test alone be used to diagnose heart disease?

According to current expert opinion, low levels generally rule out congestive heart failure.

Elevated values, on the other hand, should always be clarified by echocardiography or other diagnostic procedures such as the Holter ECG, because the diagnosis of heart disease and its treatment can not be solely based on NT-proBNP levels!

In borderline or unclear cases, the experts at DiploVets are happy to be of assistance. DiploVets' cardiology specialists ECVIM/ACVIM are also available for timely consultation  in the event of uncertainty about the patient's prognosis, treatment or other examination options.

Bibliography: Upon request

Author of the article:

Veterinarian med. vet. Julia Brüner