This information is reproduced from literature provided by Guildhay Ltd - copyright recognised

Powerful New Tool in the Diagnosis of Canine Heart Failure

Guildhay have developed a reliable and sensitive assay to aid the veterinary surgeon in the diagnosis of canine heart failure. The VETSIGN™ Canine CardioSCREEN kit (product code VC3167) provides an objective indication of the presence of heart failure.

Heart Disease 

Heart disease in dogs can be congenital or acquired, the latter being more common and tending to develop later in the dogs life. Slow development during the life of the dog may be the result of a gradual deterioration of cardiac function. Heart disease in the absence of heart failure often goes unrecognised by the owner.

Diagnosis 

Veterinary surgeons have numerous techniques at their disposal for diagnosing heart disease and failure including; signalment, case history, physical examination, thoracic radiography, electrocardiology, and echocardiography. However, it is widely acknowledged that diagnosis of heart failure can be difficult and may be stressful to the dog and owner.

The Solution 

Canine CardioSCREEN was developed following significant work at Guildhay and is based upon the finding that plasma levels of natriuretic peptides in humans1 and dogs2, 3 have been shown to correlate with the class of heart failure. Until now the only assays available for the measurement of canine ANP were complicated radioimmunoassays which required difficult sample treatment and analysis steps. 
 

Guildhay's extensive studies in collaboration with leading cardiologists and veterinary practitioners have shown that levels of proANP (31-67) detected using the CardioSCREEN test kit are an indicator of heart failure in dogs.

The Principle 

Levels of plasma proANP are determined in a simple immunoassay (ELISA)[Link to kit insert]. 

The results are classified under three groups: 

proANP levels up to 1350 fmol/ml are normal. 
proANP levels between 1350 and 1700 fmol/ml are in the suspect range 
proANP levels over 1700 fmol/ml have a 92% probability of heart failure. 

The Benefits 

The dog will undergo less stressful examination. 
A greater confidence in diagnosis will allow appropriate treatment to be administered to the patient thus improving quality of life. 
Use of the CardioSCREEN test as an initial screen may assist in identifying those dogs where further evaluation may be appropriate. 

The Canine CardioSCREEN test is not in itself a definitive diagnostic test and the results, as with other individual assay results, should be viewed in the light of other diagnostic information.

For more information please contact Sales@guildhay.co.uk

1. Gottleib SS, Kukin Ml, Ahern D et al, Prognostic importance of atrial natriuretic peptide in patients with chronic heart failure. J Am Coll Cardiol 1989; 13;1534-39 

2. Haggstrom J, Hansson K, Karlberg BE et al. Plasma concentration of atrial natriuretic peptide in relation to severity of mitral regurgitation in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Am J Vet Res 1994;55;698-703 

3. Haggstrom J, Hansson K, Kvart C et al. Effects of naturally acquired decompensated mitral valve regurgitation on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and atrial natriuretic peptide concentration in dogs. Am J Vet Res1997;58;77-82