Abstract
BackgroundExercise testing in conjunction with measurement of cardiac biomarkers NT-proBNP and cTnI is a useful tool for monitoring the effect of treatment on cardiac patients. Administering Pimobendan in dogs with degenerative mitral valve disease (DMVD) and cardiomegaly results in delaying the onset of clinical symptoms and prolonging life. Its effect in dogs with DMVD without cardiomegaly has not been well examined. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of administering Pimobendan in dogs with DMVD without cardiomegaly using exercise testing in conjunction with measuring cardiac biomarkers in addition to echocardiography.Twenty-one dogs with asymptomatic DMVD without echocardiographic signs of cardiomegaly participated in a randomised, double-blinded trial. Dogs were divided into a Pimobendan-group (n = 11) and a placebo-group (n = 10) in a double-blinded study design and underwent a standardised submaximal exercise test (SSET). One dog in the Pimobendan-group was retrospectively removed from the study after being diagnosed with Leishmaniosis. Cardiac biomarkers NT-proBNP and cTnI were measured before and after exercise. Follow-up appointments were performed at days 90 and 180.ResultsDogs in the Pimobendan-group had significantly lower post-exercise NT-proBNP-levels after being administered Pimobendan than at the beginning of the study. They also had lower pre- and post-exercise-NT-proBNP-levels than those dogs in the placebo-group. There was neither a significant difference regarding the measured cTnI levels nor an increase in cTnI between the groups at any time.ConclusionsPimobendan lowers NT-proBNP in dogs with presymptomatic mitral valve disease without cardiomegaly before and after submaximal exercise. This indicates a reduction in cardiac wall stress. If dogs with asymptomatic DMVD without cardiomegaly benefit from treatment with Pimobendan (for example, through a longer survival time) warrants further investigation.
Highlights
Exercise testing in conjunction with measurement of cardiac biomarkers NT-proBNP and cardiac troponin-I (cTnI) is a useful tool for monitoring the effect of treatment on cardiac patients
NT-proBNP positively correlates with the grade and prognosis of the disease in dogs with asymptomatic degenerative mitral valve disease (DMVD) and can be used as an additional diagnostic tool in dogs with heart murmur and symptoms which have cardiac or non-cardiac causes [8]
The aim of the current study was to evaluate the combination of exercise testing and cardiac biomarkers as a tool for monitoring the effect of cardiac treatment in dogs
Summary
Exercise testing in conjunction with measurement of cardiac biomarkers NT-proBNP and cTnI is a useful tool for monitoring the effect of treatment on cardiac patients. NT-proBNP positively correlates with the grade and prognosis of the disease in dogs with asymptomatic degenerative mitral valve disease (DMVD) and can be used as an additional diagnostic tool in dogs with heart murmur and symptoms which have cardiac or non-cardiac causes [8]. It may be influenced by non-cardiac diseases like acute or chronic kidney disease, pulmonary hypertension or hyperthyroidism [3, 8]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
