Diagnostic testing enables our team to pinpoint the underlying cause of your pet’s symptoms, diagnosing their condition(s). We want our pet parents to be involved in the decision-making process, and we thoroughly discuss the diagnostic testing we recommend for your pet and their diagnostic test results. Personalizing your pet’s diagnostic plan ensures we avoid unnecessary tests and procedures while leading us to a more personalized and effective treatment plan.

Diagnostic Overview

Cardio BNP

Cardio BNP (Brain Natriuretic Peptide) testing, although common in human medicine, has emerged as a tool in diagnosing cardiac issues in dogs and cats. This biomarker test measures specific substances in the blood, offering insights into cardiac health. It is particularly significant when pets exhibit signs of cardiac distress, such as dyspnea or difficulty breathing. Cardio BNP is primarily released from the ventricular myocardium due to physical stress and low oxygen levels.

Originally developed as a screening test for cardiac disease in dogs and cats, its role in routine dog screening has diminished due to a tendency to produce false positives. However, it remains a crucial diagnostic aid, especially in cats, where differentiating between respiratory and cardiac causes of dyspnea can be challenging. This is particularly important because cats presenting with breathing difficulties may not be stable enough for more invasive diagnostics like radiographs.

In the case of cats, a SNAP test called the IDEXX SNAP Feline proBNP Test is available, providing a convenient and rapid means of assessing Cardio BNP levels. Studies have demonstrated that this test can be 84% sensitive and 83% specific, making it a valuable tool for identifying cats with moderate to severe subclinical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). It’s important to note that Cardio BNP testing should complement other diagnostic findings and not be evaluated in isolation. It is an adjunctive tool, helping Pet Health veterinarians strengthen or weaken their suspicions of cardiac involvement in pets with respiratory distress.