Blood cardiac troponin I levels were significantly elevated in dogs with acquired mitral valve disease, dilated cardiomyopathy, and pericardial effusion compared to healthy dogs.
Observational (n=61)
Does measurement of blood cardiac troponin I (cTnI) help diagnose heart disease and indicate heart failure severity in dogs?
Cardiac troponin I is a useful biomarker for diagnosing acquired heart disease and assessing heart failure severity in dogs.
OBJECTIVES: To assess the value of measuring blood levels of the myocardial protein cardiac troponin I (cTnl) in the diagnosis of congenital and acquired heart disease in the dog and in the evaluation of the severity of heart failure. METHODS: Serum samples obtained from healthy dogs (n = 26) and from dogs diagnosed with a variety of congenital and acquired heart conditions (n = 35) were assayed for cTnl concentration using an automated immunoassay method. Results were also analysed according to the degree of heart failure as assessed using the International Small Animal Cardiac Health Council's scheme. RESULTS: Healthy dogs had very low or undetectable blood cTnl levels, as did dogs with congenital heart disease. However, cTnl levels were significantly elevated in dogs with acquired mitral valve disease, dilated cardiomyopathy and pericardial effusion. Blood cTnl levels also varied with severity of heart failure. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Measurement of blood cTnl levels may be a useful aid in the diagnosis of dogs with suspected heart disease and in indicating the severity of heart failure.
Spratt et al. (2005) conducted an observational in Heart disease in dogs (n=61). Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) measurement vs. Healthy dogs was evaluated on Blood cTnI concentration. Blood cardiac troponin I levels were significantly elevated in dogs with acquired mitral valve disease, dilated cardiomyopathy, and pericardial effusion compared to healthy dogs.