Diagnostic significance of hematobiochemical and cardiac biomarkers in canine CHF associated with MVD and DCM

Abstract

The present study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic significance of hematobiochemical parameters and cardiac biomarkers in dogs suffering from congestive heart failure (CHF) associated with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and mitral valve disease (MVD). A total of 37 dogs diagnosed with CHF (DCM: 25; MVD: 12) were included based on clinical and diagnostic criteria. Blood samples were collected for hematological and biochemical analysis using automated analyzers, while cardiac biomarkers, namely cardiac troponin-I (cTnI) and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), were estimated using ELISA kits. Statistical analysis was performed using Student’s t-test. The results revealed no significant differences in hematological and biochemical parameters between DCM and MVD groups, although mild alterations such as increased leukocyte count, elevated RDW, hypoalbuminemia and increased BUN were observed, indicating systemic involvement. In contrast, cardiac biomarkers showed marked elevation in both groups, reflecting myocardial injury and cardiac stress, though differences between groups were statistically non-significant. The study concludes that while hematobiochemical parameters provide supportive information, cardiac biomarkers such as cTnI and NT-proBNP serve as more sensitive and reliable indicators for the diagnosis and assessment of CHF in dogs, irrespective of underlying etiology.