2016 ACVIM Forum Research Abstract Program

Canine specific miRNAs were successfully isolated from plasma and amplified. Plasma miR-21 (P = 0.015), miR-133 (P = 0.01), and miR-1 (P = 0.01) were differentially expressed in CHF dogs with statistical significance when compared to normal dogs. These miRNAs are known to be involved in extracellular matrix remodeling and the regulation of fibrotic genes such as TGF-b and Smad. The results suggest that alterations in the interaction between miRNAs expression profiles and their downstream target genes may play a role in cardiac progression to CHF in dogs with MMVD. Further investigation remains warranted to determine their diagnostic potential as molecular biomarkers for early detection of CHF in dogs with MMVD. In order to assess signalment and concurrent disease processes in dogs diagnosed with aortic thrombotic disease, a retrospective review was performed of records available through the Veterinary Medical Database of dogs examined between 1985 and 2011. Information on age, sex, breed, weight, and concurrent disease processes in dogs reported with AT were reviewed. Five control dogs without a diagnosis of AT were selected for each AT case.