Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and red blood cell distribution width to platelet ratio and their relationships with inflammatory and antioxidant status in dogs with different stages of heart failure due to myxomatous mitral valve disease.

We aimed to evaluate the red blood cell distribution width-to-platelet ratio (RDW/PLT) with other complete blood cell count (CBC) indices and their correlations with serum proinflammatory cytokines, acute phase proteins (APPs), and antioxidant biomarkers in dogs at different stages of heart failure (HF). A total of 29 dogs were divided into four groups according to the ACVIM Consensus Statement: stage-A (healthy/controls, n = 8), stage-B2 (n = 6), stage-C (n = 10), and stage-D (n = 5). Seventeen CBC indices were calculated and correlated with the measurements of inflammatory, APPs, and antioxidant biomarkers, as well as selected echocardiographic variables in all dogs. At stage-C, CBC indices were evaluated 14 days after the treatment. Statistically significant changes were observed only for RDW/PLT and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) between groups. NLR increased, but RDW/PLT deceased in dogs with HF, compared to controls (P < 0.05). There were no statistically differences between pre- and post-treatment CBC indices. There were significantly positive and negative correlations between the CBC indices, serum parameters and selected echocardiographic variables in dogs with HF(P < 0.05). ROC analysis showed the best sensitivity (57% and 68%) and specificity (100% and 57%) for NLR > 5.8 and RDW/PLT ≤ 0.057 for predicting the severity of HF, respectively. Results showed that NLR and RDW/PLT may have potential for monitoring severity of the disease and the effect of treatment in dogs with HF. Imbalances between indices of circulating blood cells can contribute to immunoinflammatory and antioxidant responses in pathogenesis of canine HF, which may provide us alternative targets to develop new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in veterinary medicine.

Evaluation of Alacepril Administration in Canine Patent Ductus Arteriosus According to Plasma Chymase Activity.

Chymase in the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) actively contributes to cardiac disease progression. Chymase is activated to produce angiotensin II during tissue injury and is involved in hemodynamics. A recent study demonstrated that plasma chymase activity reflects hemodynamic changes and aids in understanding patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) pathophysiology. The present study examined the relationship between plasma chymase activity and the administration of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. Alacepril was administered to 13 puppies with PDA. Conventional echocardiographic parameters and non-invasive blood pressure were measured before and after medication. Plasma chymase activity was calculated using the colorimetric absorbance method. Plasma chymase activity significantly increased, but blood pressure significantly decreased. We detected an increase in plasma chymase activity due to ACE inhibition in PDA cases treated with alacepril. Plasma chymase activity was affected and altered by alacepril. In veterinary medicine, plasma chymase activity may be a novel method for assessing the pathology of and therapy for cardiac diseases.

Thromboelastographic evaluation of the effectiveness of choline or CDP-choline treatment on endotoxin-induced hemostatic alterations in dogs.

Sepsis/endotoxemia associates with coagulation abnormalities. We showed previously that exogenous choline treatment reversed the changes in platelet count and function as well as prevented disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) in endotoxemic dogs. The aim of this follow-up study was to evaluate the effect of treatment with choline or cytidine-5'-diphosphocholine (CDP-choline), a choline donor, on endotoxin-induced hemostatic alterations using thromboelastography (TEG). Dogs were randomized to six groups and received intravenously (iv) saline, choline (20 mg/kg) or CDP-choline (70 mg/kg) in the control groups, whereas endotoxin (0.1 mg/kg, iv) was used alone or in combination with choline or CDP-choline at the same doses in the treatment groups. TEG variables including R- and K-time (clot formation), maximum amplitude (MA) and α-angle (clot stability), G value (clot elasticity), and EPL, A, and LY30 (fibrinolysis), as well as overall assessment of coagulation (coagulation index - CI), were measured before and at 0.5-48 h after the treatments. TEG parameters did not change significantly in the control groups, except for CI parameter after choline administration. Endotoxemia resulted in increased R-time and A value (P < 0.05), decreased K-time (P < 0.05), α-angle (P < 0.001) and CI values (P < 0.01) at different time points. Treatment with either choline or CDP-choline attenuated or prevented completely the alterations in TEG parameters in endotoxemic dogs with CDP-choline being more effective. These results confirm and extend the effectiveness of choline or CDP-choline in endotoxemia by further demonstrating their efficacy in attenuating or preventing the altered viscoelastic properties of blood clot measured by TEG.

Plasma Chymase Activity Reflects the Change in Hemodynamics Observed after the Surgical Treatment of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Dogs.

Chymase is a protease stored in mast cell granules that produces angiotensin II (ANG II) from angiotensin I (ANG I) and is associated with tissue injury, inflammation, and remodeling, especially involving the cardiovascular system. As cardiovascular events occur, chymase is activated by degranulation to the extracellular matrix. Although chymase has been suggested to be associated with cardiovascular disease progression, there are not enough reports in veterinary medicine. Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a common congenital cardiac disease in veterinary medicine. Almost all cases of PDA can be treated surgically to prevent the development of congestive heart disease and/or pulmonary hypertension. The aims of the present study were to measure chymase activity before and after PDA occlusions, and to investigate the relationships between the congestive and hemodynamic states of PDA and chymase activity. In the present study, 17 puppies diagnosed with PDA were included and all puppies completely recovered to the level of healthy dogs. Chymase activity significantly decreased at 2 months after the operation, along with the echocardiography parameters of congestion. Therefore, plasma chymase activity may be useful as a novel predictor for understanding the hemodynamics of PDA in veterinary medicine.

Serum Proteomic Changes in Dogs with Different Stages of Chronic Heart Failure.

MMVD, the most common cause of CHF in dogs, is a chronic disease with variable clinical signs, with some patients remaining asymptomatic while others develop CHF. Here, we aimed to evaluate serum proteins by proteomic analysis in dogs at different stages of CHF due to MMVD, and proteome behaviors after conventional treatment. A total of 32 dogs were divided equally into four groups-stage A (healthy/controls), stage B2 (asymptomatic), stage C and stage D (symptomatic)-according to the ACVIM consensus. Serum proteomes were evaluated using LC/MS-based label-free differential proteome analysis. The study revealed 157 different proteins; 11 were up- and 21 down-regulated in dogs with CHF compared to controls. In stage B2 dogs, angiotensinogen (AGT) was up-regulated, but immunoglobulin iota chain-like, lipopolysaccharide-binding protein, and carboxypeptidase (CPN) were down-regulated. In stage C dogs, complement C3 (C3) and inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor heavy chain were up-regulated, but hemopexin, and actin-cytoplasmic-1 (ACT-1) were down-regulated. In stage D dogs, AGT was up-regulated, whereas tetranectin, paraoxonase-1, adiponectin and ACT-1 were down-regulated. A decrease in CPN, C3 and AGT and an increase in ACT-1 were observed after treatment of dogs in stage C. This pilot study identified that dogs at different stages of CHF show different serum protein composition which has potential to be biomarker for diagnose and treatment monitorization.

Choline or CDP-choline restores hypotension and improves myocardial and respiratory functions in dogs with experimentally - Induced endotoxic shock.

Endotoxin shock is associated with severe impairments in cardiovascular and respiratory functions. We showed previously that choline or cytidine-5'-diphosphocholine (CDP-choline) provides beneficial effects in experimental endotoxin shock in dogs. The objective of the present study was to determine the effects of choline or CDP-choline on endotoxin-induced cardiovascular and respiratory dysfunctions. Dogs were treated intravenously (i.v.) with saline or endotoxin (LPS, 0.1 mg/kg) 5 min before i.v. infusion of saline, choline (20 mg/kg) or CDP-choline (70 mg/kg). Blood pressure, cardiac rate, myocardial and left ventricular functions, respiratory rate, blood gases, serum electrolytes and cardiac injury markers were determined before and at 0.5-48 h after endotoxin. Plasma tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), high mobility group box-1 (HMGB1), catecholamine and nitric oxide (NO) levels were measured 2 h and 24 h after the treatments. Endotoxin caused immediate and sustained reductions in blood pressure, cardiac output, pO2 and pH; changes in left ventricular functions, structure and volume parameters; and elevations in heart rate, respiratory rate, pCO2 and serum electrolytes (Na, K, Cl, Ca and P). Endotoxin also resulted in elevations in blood levels of cardiac injury markers, TNF-α, HMGB1, catecholamine and NO. In choline- or CDP-choline-treated dogs, all endotoxin effects were much smaller in magnitude and shorter in duration than observed values in controls. These data show that treatment with choline or CDP-choline improves functions of cardiovascular and respiratory systems in experimental endotoxemia and suggest that they may be useful in treatment of endotoxin shock in clinical setting.

Transoesophageal echocardiography-guided hybrid balloon valvuloplasty for severe pulmonic stenosis in small dogs.

Pulmonic stenosis (PS) is the most common congenital heart disease in dogs and is commonly seen in small breeds, such as Chihuahuas. Conventional treatments have limitations specific to small dogs, including the invasive nature of open-heart surgery and size limitations in percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty. Here, transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE)-guided balloon valvuloplasty via thoracotomy was performed for three small dogs with PS. The procedure was feasible in all cases, including those for which percutaneous treatment was not an option. Although the procedure is invasive, because of the need for thoracotomy, it is one of the treatment options that may be effective for PS, especially in small dogs, as it allows visualisation of the pulmonary artery lesion without relying on the experience of the surgeon.

A case of a complete atrioventricular canal defect in a ferret.

BACKGROUND: Atrioventricular canal defect is a rare congenital disorder of the heart and describes the presence of an atrial septal defect, a variable presentation of ventricular septal alterations including ventricular septal defect malformations in the mitral and tricuspid valves. The defect has been described in human beings, dogs, cats, pigs, and horses. CASE PRESENTATION: This paper describes the case of a complete atrioventricular canal defect in a four-year-old intact male pet ferret (Mustela putorius furo), which was presented due to posterior weakness, ataxia, and decreased appetite. A loud systolic murmur, dyspnea, and hind limb paraparesis were detected during the clinical examination. Thoracic radiographs showed generalized cardiomegaly and lung edema. ECG showed sinus rhythm with prolonged P waves and QRS complexes. Echocardiography showed a large atrial septal defect, atrioventricular dysplasia, and a ventricular septal defect. Palliative treatment with oxygen, furosemide, spironolactone, enalapril, diltiazem, and supportive care was chosen as the therapy of choice. The ferret recovered gradually during hospitalization. A follow-up examination at three and six months showed stabilization of cardiac function. CONCLUSIONS: To the authors knowledge, this is the first time an atrioventricular canal defect has been described in a pet ferret.

Changes in choline and cholinesterase in saliva of dogs with parvovirus infection.

This study investigated the changes in choline (Ch) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) in saliva in canine parvovirosis (CP) as a model of sepsis, and their correlations with these analytes in serum and with other markers of inflammation such as white blood cell count (WBC) and serum C-reactive protein (CRP). A total of 30 dogs with CP were sampled for saliva and serum at presentation, and 10 healthy puppies were also sampled as controls. Salivary Ch was higher in dogs with CP (P < 0.001) showing a positive correlation with CRP, whereas no differences were observed in salivary BChE. This is the first report in which Ch is measured in saliva of dogs and based in the results of this study, salivary Ch could be potentially used as biomarker of the severity of CP.

Platelet proteome changes in dogs with congestive heart failure.

BACKGROUND: Platelets play a central role in the development of cardiovascular diseases and changes in their proteins are involved in the pathophysiology of heart diseases in humans. There is lack of knowledge about the possible role of platelets in congestive heart failure (CHF) in dogs. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the changes in global platelet proteomes in dogs with CHF, to clarify the possible role of platelets in the physiopathology of this disease. Healthy-dogs (n = 10) and dogs with acute CHF due to myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD, n = 10) were used. Acute CHF was defined based on the clinical (increased respiratory rate or difficulty breathing) and radiographic findings of pulmonary edema. Dogs Blood samples were collected into tubes with acid-citrate-dextrose, and platelet-pellets were obtained by centrifuge and washing steps. Platelet-proteomes were identified using LC-MS based label-free differential proteome expression analysis method and matched according to protein database for Canis lupus familiaris. RESULTS: Totally 104 different proteins were identified in the platelets of the dogs being 4 out of them were significantly up-regulated and 6 down-regulated in acute CHF dogs. Guanine-nucleotide-binding protein, apolipoproteins (A-II and C-III) and clusterin levels increased, but CXC-motif-chemokine-10, cytochrome-C-oxidase-subunit-2, cathepsin-D, serine/threonine-protein-phosphatase-PP1-gamma-catalytic-subunit, creatine-kinase-B-type and myotrophin levels decreased in acute CHF dogs. These proteins are associated with several molecular functions, biological processes, signaling systems and immune-inflammatory responses. CONCLUSION: This study describes by first time the changes in the protein composition in platelets of dogs with acute CHF due to MMVD. Our findings provide a resource for increase the knowledge about the proteome of canine platelets and their roles in CHF caused by MMVD and could be a tool for further investigations about the prevention and treatment of this disease.

Changes of inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers in dogs with different stages of heart failure.

BACKGROUND: Heart failure (HF) is associated with changes in inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers. This study aimed to evaluate the changes of a panel of inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers in dogs with different stages of HF and its relation with the severity of the disease and echocardiographic changes. A total of 29 dogs with HF as a result of myxomatous mitral valve degeneration or dilated cardiomyopathy were included and classified as stage-A (healthy), B (asymptomatic dogs), C (symptomatic dogs) and D (dogs with end-stage HF) according to the ACVIM staging system. In these dogs an ecnhocardiographic examination was performed and cytokines, and inflammatory and oxidative stress markers were evaluated in serum. RESULTS: KC-like was significantly increased in dogs of stage-C (P < 0.01) and -D (P < 0.05) compared with stage-A and -B. Stage-D dogs showed significantly higher serum CRP and Hp (P < 0.05) but lower serum antioxidant capacity (PON1, TEAC, CUPRAC, and thiol) compared to stage-A and -B (P < 0.05). After the treatment, serum levels of CRP, Hp and KC-like decreased and serum antioxidant levels increased compared to their pre-treatment values. Left ventricular dimension and LA/Ao ratio correlated positively with CRP, MCP-1, and KC-like but negatively with PON1, GM-CSF, IL-7 and antioxidant biomarkers (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Our results showed that dogs with advanced HF show increases in positive acute-phase proteins and selected inflammatory cytokines such as KC-like, and decreases in antioxidant biomarkers, indicating that inflammation and oxidative stress act as collaborative partners in the pathogenesis of HF. Some of these biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress could have the potential to be biomarkers to monitor the severity of the disease and the effect of treatment.

Changes in salivary analytes in canine parvovirus: A high-resolution quantitative proteomic study.

The present study evaluated the changes in salivary proteome in parvoviral enteritis (PVE) in dogs through a high-throughput quantitative proteomic analysis. Saliva samples from healthy dogs and dogs with severe parvovirosis that survived or perished due to the disease were analysed and compared by Tandem Mass Tags (TMT) analysis. Proteomic analysis quantified 1516 peptides, and 287 (corresponding to 190 proteins) showed significantly different abundances between studied groups. Ten proteins were observed to change significantly between dogs that survived or perished due to PVE. Bioinformatics' analysis revealed that saliva reflects the involvement of different pathways in PVE such as catalytic activity and binding, and indicates antimicrobial humoral response as a pathway with a major role in the development of the disease. These results indicate that saliva proteins reflect physiopathological changes that occur in PVE and could be a potential source of biomarkers for this disease.

Changes in serum proteins in dogs with Ehrlichia canis infection.

The aim of this study was the identification of proteins differentially represented in the serum proteome of seropositive dogs with (Group 1) and without (Group 2) clinical-pathologic signs consistent with ehrlichiosis compared to healthy control dogs. Serum samples were collected from 20 dogs of various breeds with naturally occurring ehrlichiosis (10 dogs belonged to Group 1 and 10 to Group 2) and 10 healthy dogs. Two-dimensional electrophoresis (2DE) of pooled serum for each of the group of dogs were run in triplicate. 2D image analysis showed 39 spots differently expressed between Group 1 and Group 2 compared with healthy ones. Mass spectrometry analysis allowed identification of 6 proteins: albumin, haptoglobin (Hp), alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT), Retinol Binding Protein 4 (RBP-4), alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) and vitamin D-binding protein (VDBP). When a confirmatory study was performed for albumin, Hp, AAT and RBP-4 by using different assays, significant differences (P < 0.05) between diseased and healthy groups were observed. It can be concluded that there are significant changes in the serum proteome of dogs with ehrlichiosis with modifications in proteins related with the acute phase response such as Hp, albumin and AGP, with vitamin A transport such as RBP-4, with inhibitors of serine proteases and anti-inflammatory proteins such as AAT, and vitamin D metabolism and actin scavengers such as VDBP.

Identification of novel biomarkers for treatment monitoring in canine leishmaniosis by high-resolution quantitative proteomic analysis.

The objective of this study was to use the Tandem Mass Tag (TMT) isobaric label-based proteomic approach, in order to identify new potential biomarkers for the treatment monitoring of canine leishmaniosis that could not be identified by the use of gel-based techniques. For this purpose serum samples were obtained from 5 clinically diseased dogs before and one month after the treatment of canine leishmaniosis. The non-depleted serum samples were subjected to reduction, alkylation and trypsin digestion, and the resulting peptides were labeled using 6-plex TMT reagents. To obtain information about protein identities and relative quantification, liquid chromatography-MS analysis of multiplexed TMT-labeled peptides was employed. This gel-free, label-based quantitative proteomic approach enabled identification of 117 canine proteins. Among these, 23 showed significant difference (p<0.05) in expression (two downregulated and 21 upregulated ranging from 1.25 to 2.5 fold change). Comparison of gel-free TMT-based quantification and a gel-based approach previously applied to the same samples resulted in the identification of some common markers (Apo-A1, vitamin D binding protein and RBP4). However, 20 additional differentially represented proteins were highlighted by the gel-free approach, 13 of which have not been previously reported in canine leishmaniosis. In conclusion, the TMT-based proteomic approach allowed identification of new serum proteins that significantly change in concentration after canine leishmaniosis treatment. These proteins are involved in various physiopathological processes such as inflammatory, coagulation or defense mechanisms, and could potentially be suitable biomarkers for treatment monitoring of this parasitic disease.

Serum antioxidant capacity and oxidative damage in clinical and subclinical canine ehrlichiosis.

The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the antioxidant response and the products of oxidative damage analysed by various assays in clinical and subclinical canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME). For this purpose, four assays to measure the total serum antioxidant capacity (TAC), such as the cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) using acidic medium (TEACA), and the TEAC using the horseradish peroxidase (TEACH) were used. In addition, the serum thiol concentrations were analysed. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and ferrous oxidation-xylenol orange (FOX) were measured to determine the concentrations of free radical and the products of oxidative damage as result of the disease. All antioxidant markers were significantly lower in the dogs on clinical ehrlichiosis when compared with healthy dogs; however only the CUPRAC, FRAP and thiol were significantly lower in subclinical CME compared with healthy dogs. TBARS and FOX showed no significant differences between dogs with CME and healthy dogs; however, a significant increased ROS concentration was observed in dogs with clinical and subclinical CME when compared with healthy dogs. Results showed that in CME there is a state of oxidative stress with significant changes in markers of antioxidant defence and in concentrations of free radicals. However, the detection of these changes would depend of the assay used.

Serum apolipoprotein-A1 as a possible biomarker for monitoring treatment of canine leishmaniosis.

The aims of this study were: the identification of proteins differentially represented in the serum proteome of dogs with leishmaniosis after treatment and the verification of one selected protein as a possible biomarker for treatment monitoring. Serum samples from five dogs with leishmaniosis, before and after treatment were pooled into two groups and analysed using 2-dimensional electrophoresis followed by mass spectrometry analysis (MS). The MS analysis allowed the identification of 8 proteins differently expressed. APO-A1 was selected and an immunoturbidimetric assay was validated for its measurement in dogs. Significantly decreased concentrations of APO-A1 in dogs with leishmaniosis and a significant increase after a good response to the treatment were observed, suggesting that APO-A1 could be a potential biomarker of treatment monitoring with the advantages of an automated measurement.

Effects of choline treatment in concentrations of serum matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), MMP tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) and immunoglobulins in an experimental model of canine sepsis.

The aim of the present study was to investigate effects of intravenous (i.v.) choline treatment on serum matrix metalloproteinases (MMP), MMP tissue inhibitors (TIMP) and immunoglobulins (Igs), and to determine if there were relations between serum MMPs/TIMPs and C-reactive protein (CRP) (as a marker of the acute phase response), immunoglobulin G and M (IgG and IgM) (as a maker of the Ig responses) and markers of organ damage such as muscular damage (creatine phosphokinase, [CPK]), liver damage (alanine aminotransferase [ALT]) and renal dysfunction (blood urea nitrogen [BUN] and creatinine, [Cr]) in dogs with endotoxemia. Healthy dogs (n=24) were randomized to Saline, Choline (C), Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and LPS+C groups and received 0.9% NaCl (5mL/i.v.), choline chloride (20mg/kg/i.v.), LPS (0.02mg/kg/i.v.) and LPS (0.02mg/kg/i.v.) plus choline chloride (20mg/kg/i.v.), respectively. Serum MMPs and TIMPs concentrations were analyzed by commercial ELISA kits. MMP and TIMP increased at 1-48h (P<0.05), whereas IgG and IgM decreased at 24-48h in LPS group, compared to their baselines. Choline treatment reduced changes in serum MMPs, TIMPs and markers of organ damage, and prevented the hypoimmunoglobulinemia in LPS+C. MMPs and TIMPs were correlated positively (P<0.05) with serum CRP, CPK, ALT, BUN and Cr, but not with serum Igs. Our findings suggest that the serum MMPs, TIMPs and Igs are involved in the pathophysiology of endotoxemia, and MMPs and TIMPs are correlated with the acute phase reaction and multi-organ failure. In addition, we demonstrated a direct effect of choline administration in decreasing serum MMPs and TIMPs, and preserving serum Igs in the course of endotoxemia.

Serum butyrylcholinesterase and paraoxonase 1 in a canine model of endotoxemia: effects of choline administration.

Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) and paraoxonase 1 (PON1) are two serum enzymes synthesized by the liver that are related with inflammation. The main objectives of this study were to determine changes in serum BChE and PON1 by using a canine model of endotoxemia, and to evaluate whether choline alters BChE and PON1 activities during inflammation. For this purpose, a total of 20 mongrel dogs were divided into four groups: control, choline (C), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and LPS+C. Dogs in the control group were injected with 0.9% NaCl (0.2 ml/kg, i.v.). Dogs in C and LPS+C groups received choline chloride (20 mg/kg, i.v., three times with 4 h intervals). Endotoxin was injected (0.02 mg/kg, i.v., once) to the dogs of LPS and LPS+C groups. Statistically significant decreases in BChE and PON1 activities in LPS group were detected 24 and 48 h post injection, respectively. No statistically significant changes in BChE and PON1 activities at different times were detected in control, C, or LPS+C groups. In conclusion, the data obtained in present study revealed a decrease in serum BChE and PON1 activities in dogs during experimentally induced endotoxemia and that choline administration attenuates these changes.

Tei index (myocardial performance index) and cardiac biomarkers in dogs with parvoviral enteritis.

Tei index (myocardial performance) and cardiac biomarkers were evaluated in dogs with parvoviral enteritis (PVE). Tei index was calculated as isovolumic contraction time plus isovolumic relaxation time divided by ejection time. Myocardial and skeletal muscle damages were assessed by serum levels of cardiac troponin I (cTnI), creatine (phospho) kinase, lactate dehydrogenase and aspartate aminotransferase. Serum magnesium level was also determined. According to treatment response, dogs were divided into the survivor (n=20) and non-survivor groups (n=23). Seven healthy dogs served as controls. The mean value of the Tei index was higher in non-survivors, compared with survivors (p<0.02) and healthy controls (p<0.01). Serum level of cTnI in non-survivors was higher than that of survivors and controls (p<0.05). Tei index showed the highest sensitivity and specificity to predict mortality. The findings of an elevated Tei index and an increase in serum cTnI are factors associated with a poor prognosis in cases of canine parvovirosis.