Cardiovascular endocrinology in naturally occurring canine and feline models

Rodents are frequently used to study aspects of cardiovascular endocrinology. The present review focuses on opportunities offered by naturally occurring heart disease in dogs and cats, that is larger animal models. In particular, the benefits of using these species include the possibility of studying the same types of naturally occurring diseases as those occurring in humans, and carrying out studies in genetically similar individuals (i.e. breeds) sharing the same environment as humans. Recent findings in neuroendocrine hormones, that is natriuretic peptides, components of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system, and endothelin-1, in dogs and cats are reviewed in this article. As in humans, all these hormones have been evaluated as cardiovascular biomarkers in dogs and cats, and natriuretic peptides have shown promise in the diagnosis, staging and prognostication of heart disease. However, components of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system and endothelin-1 appear to be more useful as functional biomarkers for monitoring compensatory responses to naturally occurring heart diseases and their treatments.