Breed differences in natriuretic peptides in healthy dogs
Measurement of plasma concentrations of natriuretic peptides have been suggested to be of diagnostic and prognostic value in canine cardiac disease. In several previous canine studies, however, a considerable overlap between investigated groups has been identified. A reliable natriuretic peptide test for use in clinical practice requires establishment of reference values for natriuretic peptides in healthy dogs and cut-off values for subclinical disease as well as for clinical signs of congestive heart failure. Numerous physiological, pathological and pharmacological factors, aside heart function, may influence concentration of natriuretic peptides. A potential effect of dog breed on natriuretic peptide concentration has been suggested but has, to our knowledge, not previously been specifically studied. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate breed variation in plasma concentrations of natriuretic peptides in healthy dogs.
Dogs of nine different breeds were examined at five different centers within the EU. A thorough clinical work-up was performed to exclude cardiovascular disease or other organ-related or systemic disease. 535 healthy, privately-owned dogs were included. Blood samples were taken from all dogs, and plasma concentrations of proANP 31-67 and NT-proBNP were analyzed using commercially available ELISA assays. Samples were analyzed at two separate accredited laboratories, one for each peptide.
The results showed an overall significant breed difference for proANP 31-67 (P