2015 ACVIM Forum Research Abstract Program

Twenty-six dogs met the criteria for categorization: affected group (n = 17) and control group (n = 9). Age, sex, weight, and body condition score were not significantly different between groups. In the affected group, 2 dogs had mild PH (TRG < 51 mmHg), 9 dogs had moderate PH (TRG = 51-75 mmHg) and 6 dogs had severe PH (TRG > 75 mmHg). Plasma concentrations of NT-proBNP, NT-proANP and cTnI were significantly higher in the affected group than in the control group (P = 0.018, P = 0.011 and P = 0.016, respectively). There was a moderate positive correlation between NT-proBNP, NT-proANP and cTnI levels and TRG (r = 0.56, r = 0.49, r = 0.67, respectively). At a cutoff of 530 pmol/L, sensitivity and specificity of NT-proBNP to distinguish dogs with PH from dogs with respiratory signs but no PH were 69% and 100%, respectively. At a cutoff of 1025 fmol/L, sensitivity and specificity of NT-proANP to distinguish dogs with PH from dogs with respiratory signs but no PH were 85% and 86%, respectively. At a cutoff of 0.6 ng/mL, sensitivity and specificity of cTnI to distinguish dogs with PH from dogs with respiratory signs but no PH were 59% and 100%, respec-tively. Dogs with PH and echocardiographic signs of cardiac remodeling did not have significantly higher biomarker levels than dogs with PH and an echocardiographically normal heart morphology. These 3 biomarkers could be useful tools for detecting PH in dogs and distinguishing dogs affected by this condition from dogs with respiratory signs but no PH. Relationship between periodontal pathogens and cardiovascular diseases in dogs is unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine the presence of the DNA of periodontopathic bacteria in heart specimen in dogs with mitral regurgitation.