Ultrasound evaluation of lung fields in healthy dogs: scanning technic and aspects of normality / Avaliação ultrassonográfica dos campos pulmonares de cães sadios: técnica de varredura e aspectos da normalidade

Background: The ultrasound exam has always played a secondary role in pulmonary imaging, with its applicability restricted in emergency care to screen for pleural and/or pericardial effusion, pneumothorax and pulmonary contusion. The recognition of different reverberating artifacts arising from the normal aerated lungs (A lines) and in the presence of lungs with interstitial and/or alveolar infiltrates (B lines) led to wider application of the technique in patients with respiratory syndrome. The objective of this study was to describe the ultrasound imaging methodology and the aspects of the pleura, pleural space and lung fields in healthy dogs.Materials, Methods & Results: Twenty healthy dogs of different breeds and ages, males and females were evaluated in this study; good health status was confirmed by physical examination, electro and echocardiographic assessment, thoracic radiography and systemic arterial blood pressure measurements. Dogs were scanned by a single examiner experienced in diagnostic imaging and previously trained for 6 months in thoracic ultrasound image interpretation. A MyLab 40 with a microconvex multifrequency probe (5-8 MHz) was used in this study. Evaluation was performed in an orthopneic position (standing or sternal recumbecy) under manual containment. Ultrasound examinations were based on the VetBLUE (Veterinary Bedside Lung Ultrasound Exam) protocol. Lung fields were regionally scanned at the 2nd-3rd, 4-5th, 6-7th and 8-9th intercostal spaces in the right and left hemithorax. A subxiphoid window was added to screen for free fluid in the pleural space and/or pericardial sac. Pleural sliding and A lines, that are hyperechoic parallel equidistant lines arising from the visceral pleura-lung interface could be easily seen at all intercostal spaces in all dogs in this sample, with more difficult visualization at the 2nd-3rd intercostal space. B lines were observed in seven out of twenty dogs (35%).[...]

Ultrasound evaluation of lung fields in healthy dogs: scanning technic and aspects of normality / Avaliação ultrassonográfica dos campos pulmonares de cães sadios: técnica de varredura e aspectos da normalidade

Background: The ultrasound exam has always played a secondary role in pulmonary imaging, with its applicability restricted in emergency care to screen for pleural and/or pericardial effusion, pneumothorax and pulmonary contusion. The recognition of different reverberating artifacts arising from the normal aerated lungs (A lines) and in the presence of lungs with interstitial and/or alveolar infiltrates (B lines) led to wider application of the technique in patients with respiratory syndrome. The objective of this study was to describe the ultrasound imaging methodology and the aspects of the pleura, pleural space and lung fields in healthy dogs.Materials, Methods & Results: Twenty healthy dogs of different breeds and ages, males and females were evaluated in this study; good health status was confirmed by physical examination, electro and echocardiographic assessment, thoracic radiography and systemic arterial blood pressure measurements. Dogs were scanned by a single examiner experienced in diagnostic imaging and previously trained for 6 months in thoracic ultrasound image interpretation. A MyLab 40 with a microconvex multifrequency probe (5-8 MHz) was used in this study. Evaluation was performed in an orthopneic position (standing or sternal recumbecy) under manual containment. Ultrasound examinations were based on the VetBLUE (Veterinary Bedside Lung Ultrasound Exam) protocol. Lung fields were regionally scanned at the 2nd-3rd, 4-5th, 6-7th and 8-9th intercostal spaces in the right and left hemithorax. A subxiphoid window was added to screen for free fluid in the pleural space and/or pericardial sac. Pleural sliding and A lines, that are hyperechoic parallel equidistant lines arising from the visceral pleura-lung interface could be easily seen at all intercostal spaces in all dogs in this sample, with more difficult visualization at the 2nd-3rd intercostal space. B lines were observed in seven out of twenty dogs (35%).[...](AU)

Biochemical parameters of wild felids (Panthera leo and Panthera tigris altaica) kept in captivity / Parâmetros bioquímicos de felídeos selvagens (Panthera leo e Panthera tigris altaica) mantidos em cativeiro

Most populations of wild felines are now considered endangered or near extinction due to the indiscriminate hunting and the reduction of their natural habitat, caused by man. Due to the limited number of animals within a population, these species are especially vulnerable to the impacts of diseases and endogamy. In addition, wild felines are also susceptible to metabolic and behavioral changes related to a change in their natural conditions, habitat, and feeding, when the animal enters into captivity. There are few descriptions in the literature of the serum biochemistries of lions and tigers. This study presents the biochemical parameters of 23 captive lions (Panthera leo) and 10 captive Siberian tigers (Panthera tigris altaica) from the Zoological Park of the Sao Paulo Foundation. Serum urea, creatinine, total protein, albumin, total, direct and indirect bilirubin were measured. In addition, serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, glucose, CK, lactate dehydrogenase, cholesterol, and triglycerides were determined, as well as calcium, phosphorus, chlorine, sodium, and potassium. Biochemical parameters did not differ significantly among males and females lions, but higher albumin values were observed in male Panthera tigris altaica in comparison to females. The values obtained in this study may be used as reference for captive individuals of Panthera leo and Panthera tigris altaica.(AU)

A maioria das populações de felinos selvagens é considerada ameaçada ou em extinção devido à caça indiscriminada e à redução de seu habitat natural causada pelo homem. Devido ao número limitado de animais, essas espécies são vulneráveis às doenças e endogamia, além das alterações metabólicas e comportamentais relacionadas à mudança das condições naturais, habitat e alimentação e, ainda, à condição de cativeiro. Há poucos relatos na literatura sobre a bioquímica sérica em leões e tigres. Este estudo apresenta os parâmetros bioquímicos de 23 leões de cativeiro (Panthera leo) e 10 tigres siberianos de cativeiro (Panthera tigris altaica) do Fundação Parque Zoológico de São Paulo. Ureia; creatinina; AST; ALT; ALP; GGT; bilirrubinas totais, diretos e indiretos; proteína total; albumina; CK; lactato desidrogenase; os níveis de triglicérides, de colesterol e de glicose séricas foram determinados; e também os eletrólitos cálcio, fósforo, cloro, sódio e potássio. Não foram encontradas diferenças de parâmetros bioquímicos relacionados ao sexo de Panthera leo, mas para Panthera tigris altaica foram observados valores mais elevados de albumina em machos. Os valores obtidos neste estudo podem ser usados como referência para os indivíduos em cativeiro de Panthera leo e Panthera tigris altaica.(AU)

Comparative evaluation of the echocardiographic parameters of dogs with chronic mitral valve regurgitation treated with amlodipine or pimobendan

Background: Chronic mitral valve regurgitation is the most common heart disease in dogs. It is caused by myxomatous mitral valve degeneration, an acquired degenerative disease that can lead to congestive heart failure. Pimobendan is a mixed action drug, with inotropic and vasodilator proprieties, widely used to treat such dogs. Amlodipine is a pure vasodilator drug used as an anti-hypertensive agent, with no inotropic effects. This study aimed to compare echocardiographic, electrocardiographic and blood pressure parameters between dogs with congestive heart failure treated with pimobendan and those treated with amlodipine in addition to conventional therapy. Materials, Methods & Results: A prospective, randomized, double-blind study was conducted in dogs with stage C chronic mitral valve regurgitation according to the 2009 American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) guidelines, who weighed up to 15 kg. Randomization was performed using appropriate software and the sealed envelope technique. Blinding of the owner, the main researcher, and the person who performed the clinical analysis was guaranteed by the use of identical capsules and bottles for both pimobendan and amlodipine. Statistical analysis was performed using specialized software. Eligibility was determined by predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Dogs with cardiac disease other than mitral [...](AU)

Biochemical parameters of wild felids (Panthera leo and Panthera tigris altaica) kept in captivity / Parâmetros bioquímicos de felídeos selvagens (Panthera leo e Panthera tigris altaica) mantidos em cativeiro

Most populations of wild felines are now considered endangered or near extinction due to the indiscriminate hunting and the reduction of their natural habitat, caused by man. Due to the limited number of animals within a population, these species are especially vulnerable to the impacts of diseases and endogamy. In addition, wild felines are also susceptible to metabolic and behavioral changes related to a change in their natural conditions, habitat, and feeding, when the animal enters into captivity. There are few descriptions in the literature of the serum biochemistries of lions and tigers. This study presents the biochemical parameters of 23 captive lions (Panthera leo) and 10 captive Siberian tigers (Panthera tigris altaica) from the Zoological Park of the Sao Paulo Foundation. Serum urea, creatinine, total protein, albumin, total, direct and indirect bilirubin were measured. In addition, serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, glucose, CK, lactate dehydrogenase, cholesterol, and triglycerides were determined, as well as calcium, phosphorus, chlorine, sodium, and potassium. Biochemical parameters did not differ significantly among males and females lions, but higher albumin values were observed in male Panthera tigris altaica in comparison to females. The values obtained in this study may be used as reference for captive individuals of Panthera leo and Panthera tigris altaica.

A maioria das populações de felinos selvagens é considerada ameaçada ou em extinção devido à caça indiscriminada e à redução de seu habitat natural causada pelo homem. Devido ao número limitado de animais, essas espécies são vulneráveis às doenças e endogamia, além das alterações metabólicas e comportamentais relacionadas à mudança das condições naturais, habitat e alimentação e, ainda, à condição de cativeiro. Há poucos relatos na literatura sobre a bioquímica sérica em leões e tigres. Este estudo apresenta os parâmetros bioquímicos de 23 leões de cativeiro (Panthera leo) e 10 tigres siberianos de cativeiro (Panthera tigris altaica) do Fundação Parque Zoológico de São Paulo. Ureia; creatinina; AST; ALT; ALP; GGT; bilirrubinas totais, diretos e indiretos; proteína total; albumina; CK; lactato desidrogenase; os níveis de triglicérides, de colesterol e de glicose séricas foram determinados; e também os eletrólitos cálcio, fósforo, cloro, sódio e potássio. Não foram encontradas diferenças de parâmetros bioquímicos relacionados ao sexo de Panthera leo, mas para Panthera tigris altaica foram observados valores mais elevados de albumina em machos. Os valores obtidos neste estudo podem ser usados como referência para os indivíduos em cativeiro de Panthera leo e Panthera tigris altaica.

Comparative evaluation of the echocardiographic parameters of dogs with chronic mitral valve regurgitation treated with amlodipine or pimobendan

Background: Chronic mitral valve regurgitation is the most common heart disease in dogs. It is caused by myxomatous mitral valve degeneration, an acquired degenerative disease that can lead to congestive heart failure. Pimobendan is a mixed action drug, with inotropic and vasodilator proprieties, widely used to treat such dogs. Amlodipine is a pure vasodilator drug used as an anti-hypertensive agent, with no inotropic effects. This study aimed to compare echocardiographic, electrocardiographic and blood pressure parameters between dogs with congestive heart failure treated with pimobendan and those treated with amlodipine in addition to conventional therapy. Materials, Methods & Results: A prospective, randomized, double-blind study was conducted in dogs with stage C chronic mitral valve regurgitation according to the 2009 American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) guidelines, who weighed up to 15 kg. Randomization was performed using appropriate software and the sealed envelope technique. Blinding of the owner, the main researcher, and the person who performed the clinical analysis was guaranteed by the use of identical capsules and bottles for both pimobendan and amlodipine. Statistical analysis was performed using specialized software. Eligibility was determined by predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Dogs with cardiac disease other than mitral [...]

Hematologic parameters of captive lions (Panthera leo) and Siberian tigers (Panthera tigris altaica)

Background: The clinical evaluation of captive large felids has been a challenge for veterinarians and the diversity of management of this animals can complicate the standardization of hematologic parameters to these species. Red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), hemoglobin (Hb), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and platelet counts were measured, as well as plasma fibrinogen levels, from captive lions and Siberian tigers in Brazil. The objective of this study is to provide veterinarians an additional source of information concerning the reference values of hematologic parameters of lions and Siberian tigers.Materials, Methods & Results: This study presents the hematologic parameters of 29 captive lions (Panthera leo) and 16 captive Siberian tigers (Panthera tigris altaica) from the Zoological Park of São Paulo Foundation. For inclusion in the experiment, animals were clinically examined, and those with recent physiological and/or concurrent alterations, those who were receiving any type of medication, those with an inadequate body condition score, those with dehydration, and those infested by ectoparasites or affected by some disease were excluded. The animals were chemically restrained on their own premises using anesthetic darts containing ketamine and xylazine. Blood samples were collected by jugular, cephalic or saphenous venipuncture. The appropriated volume intended for a hemogram evaluation was collected in tubes containing 2.7 nM Na2 EDTA, to preserving the ideal ratio of blood to anticoagulant. For statistical analysis, Unpaired Student t tests were performed and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. No significant differences were found in the hematological values between male and female lions, except for the mature neutrophils values, which was higher in males.[...]

Hematologic parameters of captive lions (Panthera leo) and Siberian tigers (Panthera tigris altaica)

Background: The clinical evaluation of captive large felids has been a challenge for veterinarians and the diversity of management of this animals can complicate the standardization of hematologic parameters to these species. Red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), hemoglobin (Hb), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and platelet counts were measured, as well as plasma fibrinogen levels, from captive lions and Siberian tigers in Brazil. The objective of this study is to provide veterinarians an additional source of information concerning the reference values of hematologic parameters of lions and Siberian tigers.Materials, Methods & Results: This study presents the hematologic parameters of 29 captive lions (Panthera leo) and 16 captive Siberian tigers (Panthera tigris altaica) from the Zoological Park of São Paulo Foundation. For inclusion in the experiment, animals were clinically examined, and those with recent physiological and/or concurrent alterations, those who were receiving any type of medication, those with an inadequate body condition score, those with dehydration, and those infested by ectoparasites or affected by some disease were excluded. The animals were chemically restrained on their own premises using anesthetic darts containing ketamine and xylazine. Blood samples were collected by jugular, cephalic or saphenous venipuncture. The appropriated volume intended for a hemogram evaluation was collected in tubes containing 2.7 nM Na2 EDTA, to preserving the ideal ratio of blood to anticoagulant. For statistical analysis, Unpaired Student t tests were performed and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. No significant differences were found in the hematological values between male and female lions, except for the mature neutrophils values, which was higher in males.[...](AU)

Pimobendan improves clinical signs in short term compared to digoxin or placebo in dogs with heart failure due to chronic degenerative mitral valve disease

Background: Chronic degenerative mitral valve disease (CDMVD) continues to be the most common cause of heart failure (HF) in small breed dogs. Pimobendan (PIMO) is a mixed action drug with inotropic and vasodilator properties and is widely used to treat heart disease in dogs. Therefore, PIMO increases cardiac output, reduces both preload and afterload and increases myocardial contractility without increasing energy consumption and myocardial oxygen. Digoxin (DIG) is a cardiac glycoside acting through inhibition of the sarcolemmal Na+/K+ ATPase pump, hence increasing intracellular calcium. It exerts beneficial effects on left ventricular function, symptoms and exercise tolerance. The purpose of this prospective, randomized, double blind clinical trial was to evaluate the clinical response and QoLQ in heart failure (HF) dogs treated with digoxin or pimobendan in addition to conventional therapy (furosemide and benazepril).Materials, Methods & Results: Inclusion criteria: dogs in class III or stabilized class IV (NYHA). Exclusion criteria: use of positive inotrope and antiarrhythmic, presence of atrial fibrillation, renal or hepatic disease or neoplasia. Thirty three dogs were included and randomly assigned to DIG (n = 11), PIMO (n = 14) and placebo (PL) (n = 8) and followed up weekly. Data was evaluated for days zero, 7, 14 and 28. Increasing score was assigned to...

Pimobendan improves clinical signs in short term compared to digoxin or placebo in dogs with heart failure due to chronic degenerative mitral valve disease

Background: Chronic degenerative mitral valve disease (CDMVD) continues to be the most common cause of heart failure (HF) in small breed dogs. Pimobendan (PIMO) is a mixed action drug with inotropic and vasodilator properties and is widely used to treat heart disease in dogs. Therefore, PIMO increases cardiac output, reduces both preload and afterload and increases myocardial contractility without increasing energy consumption and myocardial oxygen. Digoxin (DIG) is a cardiac glycoside acting through inhibition of the sarcolemmal Na+/K+ ATPase pump, hence increasing intracellular calcium. It exerts beneficial effects on left ventricular function, symptoms and exercise tolerance. The purpose of this prospective, randomized, double blind clinical trial was to evaluate the clinical response and QoLQ in heart failure (HF) dogs treated with digoxin or pimobendan in addition to conventional therapy (furosemide and benazepril).Materials, Methods & Results: Inclusion criteria: dogs in class III or stabilized class IV (NYHA). Exclusion criteria: use of positive inotrope and antiarrhythmic, presence of atrial fibrillation, renal or hepatic disease or neoplasia. Thirty three dogs were included and randomly assigned to DIG (n = 11), PIMO (n = 14) and placebo (PL) (n = 8) and followed up weekly. Data was evaluated for days zero, 7, 14 and 28. Increasing score was assigned to...(AU)

Avaliação radiográfica da silhueta cardíaca de gatos sadios da raça Maine Coon / Radiographic evaluation of cardiac silhouette in healthy Maine Coon cats

A determinação do tamanho do coração é importante na avaliação de pacientes cardiopatas, pois o aumento da silhueta cardíaca, na radiografia torácica, pode ser indicativa de enfermidade cardíaca. O sistema VHS (vertebral heart size) é util porque permite avaliar, objetivamente, os limites da silhueta cardíaca, auxiliando na avaliação de cardiomegalia e documentando alterações do tamanho cardíaco em resposta ao tratamento ou à progressão da doença. O objetivo deste trabalho foi comparar valores de VHS de gatos Maine Coon (GMC) sadios com aqueles citados na literatura (7,5±0,3 vértebras) obtidos de gatos não Maine Coon (GNMC). Sessenta e três GMC foram avaliados por meio de exames físico, eletrocardiográfico, ecocardiográfico, laboratoriais (hemograma, funções hepática e renal, T4 total), bem como pela determinação da pressão arterial. Frente a resultados normais, os animais foram posicionados em decúbito lateral direito (projeção látero-lateral direita), para realização da radiografia torácica, realizada utilizando o sistema Fuji de radiografia computadorizada. Os valores de VHS obtidos neste trabalho foram 7,61±0,34 vértebras, com mínimo de 6,9 e máximo de 8,5 vértebras. A análise estatística realizada pelo teste t de Student mostrou diferença significativa entre os valores ora obtidos em relação àqueles citados na literatura (p=0.03) para gatos não Maine Coon. Os valores de VHS maiores observados em GMC podem estar associados com o porte gigante desta raça de gatos.

Determining the size of the heart is important for evaluating cardiac patients, because the increase of the cardiac silhouette in the chest radiography can be indicative of heart disease. The vertebral heart size (VHS) method is useful because it allows objective assessment of the limits of cardiac silhouette, and can help assess cardiomegaly and document changes in heart size in response to treatment or disease progression. The aim of this study was to compare VHS values of Maine Coon cats (MCC) with values cited in the literature (7.5 ± 0.3 vertebrae) obtained in non Maine Coon cats (NMCC). Sixty three MCC underwent the physical examination, electrocardiography, echocardiography, laboratory tests (blood count, biochemistry, including liver and kidney function, and total T4), as well as measurement of blood pressure. Faced with normal results, the cats were positioned in right lateral decubitus (right laterallateral projection), to perform chest radiography. The radiographic examinations were performed using the Fuji computed radiography system. The values of VHS found in the animals of this study were 7.61 ± 0.34 vertebrae with a minimum of 6.9 and of maximum 8.5 vertebrae. Statistical analysis performed by Students t test identified a significant difference between the values obtained in this study with those in the literature (p = 0.03) for non Maine Coon cats. The highest values of VHS obtained in MCC may be associated with the size of this giant breed.

Avaliação radiográfica da silhueta cardíaca de gatos sadios da raça Maine Coon / Radiographic evaluation of cardiac silhouette in healthy Maine Coon cats

A determinação do tamanho do coração é importante na avaliação de pacientes cardiopatas, pois o aumento da silhueta cardíaca, na radiografia torácica, pode ser indicativa de enfermidade cardíaca. O sistema VHS (vertebral heart size) é util porque permite avaliar, objetivamente, os limites da silhueta cardíaca, auxiliando na avaliação de cardiomegalia e documentando alterações do tamanho cardíaco em resposta ao tratamento ou à progressão da doença. O objetivo deste trabalho foi comparar valores de VHS de gatos Maine Coon (GMC) sadios com aqueles citados na literatura (7,5±0,3 vértebras) obtidos de gatos não Maine Coon (GNMC). Sessenta e três GMC foram avaliados por meio de exames físico, eletrocardiográfico, ecocardiográfico, laboratoriais (hemograma, funções hepática e renal, T4 total), bem como pela determinação da pressão arterial. Frente a resultados normais, os animais foram posicionados em decúbito lateral direito (projeção látero-lateral direita), para realização da radiografia torácica, realizada utilizando o sistema Fuji de radiografia computadorizada. Os valores de VHS obtidos neste trabalho foram 7,61±0,34 vértebras, com mínimo de 6,9 e máximo de 8,5 vértebras. A análise estatística realizada pelo teste t de Student mostrou diferença significativa entre os valores ora obtidos em relação àqueles citados na literatura (p=0.03) para gatos não Maine Coon. Os valores de VHS maiores observados em GMC podem estar associados com o porte gigante desta raça de gatos.(AU)

Determining the size of the heart is important for evaluating cardiac patients, because the increase of the cardiac silhouette in the chest radiography can be indicative of heart disease. The vertebral heart size (VHS) method is useful because it allows objective assessment of the limits of cardiac silhouette, and can help assess cardiomegaly and document changes in heart size in response to treatment or disease progression. The aim of this study was to compare VHS values of Maine Coon cats (MCC) with values cited in the literature (7.5 ± 0.3 vertebrae) obtained in non Maine Coon cats (NMCC). Sixty three MCC underwent the physical examination, electrocardiography, echocardiography, laboratory tests (blood count, biochemistry, including liver and kidney function, and total T4), as well as measurement of blood pressure. Faced with normal results, the cats were positioned in right lateral decubitus (right laterallateral projection), to perform chest radiography. The radiographic examinations were performed using the Fuji computed radiography system. The values of VHS found in the animals of this study were 7.61 ± 0.34 vertebrae with a minimum of 6.9 and of maximum 8.5 vertebrae. Statistical analysis performed by Students t test identified a significant difference between the values obtained in this study with those in the literature (p = 0.03) for non Maine Coon cats. The highest values of VHS obtained in MCC may be associated with the size of this giant breed.(AU)

Determinação de biomarcadores cardíacos em gatos Maine Coon geneticamente testados para a mutação da cardiomiopatia hipertrófica / Cardiac biomarkers in Maine Coon cats genetically tested for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

A cardiomiopatia hipertrófica (CMH) é a cardiopatia mais diagnosticada em felinos e responsável por morbidade e mortalidade elevadas. A desorganização do sarcômero no miocárdio de gatos afetados com a CMH tem relação com a mutação do gene miosina ligado à proteína C (MYBPC3). A concentração plasmática de biomarcadores cardíacos como o aminoterminal peptídeo natriurético atrial (NTproANP) e o aminoterminal peptídeo natriurético tipo B (NT-proBNP) liberados, respectivamente, secundária ao estresse da parede miocárdica dos átrios e ventrículos; a troponina I cardíaca (cTnI), liberada secundariamente à lesão miocárdica; e a endotelina tipo 1 (ET-1), um peptídeo vasoconstrictor potente cuja concentração plasmática aumenta em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca, tem incrementado o diagnóstico de cardiopatias em humanos. A CMH é diagnosticada pela ecocardiografia convencional pela evidenciação de hipertrofia cardíaca (HC) segmentar ou difusa. Este estudo utilizou 57 gatos da raça Maine Coon, testados geneticamente para a mutação (M), que foram separados em quatro grupos: GIA com M e com HC (n= 4); GIB com M e sem HC (n= 10); GIIA sem M e com HC (n= 5); GIIB sem M e sem HC (n= 38) e avaliados por meio de ecocardiografia convencional e determinação dos biomarcadores cardíacos NT-proANP, NTproBNP, cTnI e ET-1. A prevalência da mutação nos gatos estudados foi de 24,56%. Diferenças estatísticas significantes foram observadas nos valores de NT-proBNP entre os grupos GIA e GIIB e GIA e GIB; de cTnI entre GIA e GIIB. Quando considerado apenas a presença ou ausência da mutação ou da hipertrofia, foram encontrados valores maiores de NT-proBNP em animais com HC e de cTnI em animais com mutação. Com base na metodologia utilizada, estabeleceu-se um ponto de corte para o NT-proBNP, considerando a presença de hipertrofia de 189,9 pmol/L, com sensibilidade de 77,8%, especificidade de 81,3%, valor preditivo positivo de 43,8% e valor preditivo negativo de 95,1 para o NT-proBNP, e o outro ponto de corte de 0,015 ng/mL, com sensibilidade de 64,3%, especificidade de 81,4%, valor preditivo positivo de 52,9% e valor preditivo negativo de 87,5% para a cTnI. A perspectiva para novos estudos concerne à cTnI e sua relação com a presença da mutação MYBPC3

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common feline heart disease and is responsible for high morbidity and mortality rates. Sarcomere disorganization in the affected myocardium of cats with HCM is related to the myosin binding protein C (MYBPC3) gene mutation. The plasma concentration of cardiac biomarkers such as atrial aminoterminal natriuretic peptide (NT-proANP) and Type B aminoterminal natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) released, respectively, by atrial and ventricular myocardium secondary to wall stress; cardiac troponin I (cTnI), released secondary to myocardial injury; and type 1 endothelin (ET-1), a potent vasoconstrictor peptide have been increasingly used for evaluation of human heart disease which are increased in patients with heart failure (HF). HCM is diagnosed by the presence of segmental or diffuse cardiac hypertrophy (CH) through conventional echocardiography. This study enrolled 57 Maine Coon cats screened for mutation (M) that were assigned to four groups: GIA with M and with CH (n= 4); GIB with M and without CH (n= 10); GIIA without M and with CH (n= 5); GIIB without M and without CH (n= 38) and evaluated by conventional echocardiography and cardiac biomarkers NT-proANP, NT-proBNP, cTnI and ET-1 measurements. The prevalence of the mutation in this study was 24.56%. Statistically significantly differences were observed in NT-proBNP among GIA and GIIB groups and among GIA and GIB groups; and in cTnI between GIA and GIIB groups. When considering only mutation and CH presence or absence, higher values of NT-proBNP were found in CH cats, and higher values of cTnI in those with mutation. Based on proposed methodology, cut-off value to NT-proBNP considering CH presence of 189.9 pmol/L had a sensitivity of 77.8%, specificity of 81.3%, predictive positive value of 43,8% and predictive negative value of 95,1% and the cut-off value of 0.015 ng/mL for cTnI considering mutation presence had a sensitivity of 64.3%, specificity of 81.4%, predictive positive value of 52,9% and predictive negative value of 87,5%. This study opened new perspectives to studies related to cTnI and MYBPC3 mutation