A population of 731 naturally exposed pet dogs examined at a private practice in Baxter, Minnesota, an area endemic for Lyme disease and anaplasmosis, was tested by serological and molecular methods for evidence of exposure to or infection with selected vector-borne pathogens. Serum samples were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi, and Ehrlichia canis antibodies and for Dirofilaria immitis antigen. Blood samples from 273 dogs were also analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for Anaplasma and Ehrlichia species DNA. Based on the owner history and the attending veterinarian's physical examination findings, dogs exhibiting illness compatible with anaplasmosis or borreliosis were considered clinical cases, and their results were compared to the healthy dog population. Antibodies to only A. phagocytophilum were detected in 217 (29%) dogs; to only B. burgdorferi, in 80 (11%) dogs; and seroreactivity to both organisms, in 188 (25%) dogs. Of 89 suspected cases of canine anaplasmosis or borreliosis, A. phagocytophilum or B. burgdorferi antibodies were detected in 22 dogs (25%) and 8 dogs (9%) respectively, whereas antibodies to both organisms were found in 38 dogs (43%). Ehrlichia canis antibodies and D. immitis antigen were each detected in 11 (1.5%) dogs. Anaplasma phagocytophilum DNA was amplified from 7 of 222 (3%) healthy dogs and 19 of 51 (37%) clinical cases. Seroreactivity to both A. phagocytophilum and B. burgdorferi was detected more frequently in suspected cases of anaplasmosis and/or borreliosis than seroreactivity to either organism alone. Based on PCR testing, A. phagocytophilum DNA was more prevalent in suspected cases of anaplasmosis or borreliosis than in healthy dogs from the same region.

The commercially available in-clinic ELISA could be used by veterinarians to screen dogs for heartworm infection and for exposure to tick-borne pathogens.

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The measurement of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), a biomarker for heart stress detectable in blood, has been shown to have clinical utility in cats with heart disease. A second-generation feline enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Cardiopet® proBNP, IDEXX Laboratories Inc., Westbrook, Maine) was developed to measure NT-proBNP in routine feline plasma or serum samples with improved analyte stability. Results of the analytical validation for the second-generation assay are presented. Analytic sensitivity was 10 pmol/l. Accuracy of 103.5% was determined via serial dilutions of 6 plasma samples. Coefficients of variation for intra-assay, interassay, and total precision were in the ranges of 1.6-6.3%, 4.3-8.8%, and 10.1-15.1%, respectively. Repeatability across 2 lots for both serum and plasma had an average coefficient of determination (r(2)) of 0.99 and slope of 1.11. Stability of the analyte was found to be high. In serum samples held at 4°C for 24-72 hr, the mean percent recovery from time zero was ≥99%. In serum samples held at 25°C for 24 hr, the mean percent recovery from time zero was 91.9%, and for 48 hr, 85.6%. A method comparison of the first- and second-generation assays with a clinically characterized population of cats revealed no difference in the tests' ability to differentiate levels of NT-proBNP between normal cats and cats with occult cardiomyopathy (P < 0.001). Results from our study validate that the second-generation feline Cardiopet proBNP assay can measure NT-proBNP in routine feline plasma and serum samples with accuracy and precision.

BackgroundN‐terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) concentrations may be increased in cats with various cardiac disorders. The point‐of‐care (POC) ELISA assay uses the same biologic reagents as the quantitative NT‐proBNP ELISA. Previous studies have evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of the POC ELISA in cats with cardiac disease.ObjectivesTo prospectively evaluate the diagnostic utility of the POC ELISA in a select population of cats.AnimalsThirty‐eight client‐owned cats presented to the University of Florida Cardiology Service for cardiac evaluation. Fifteen apparently healthy cats recruited as part of another study.MethodsPhysical examination and echocardiography were performed in all cats. The POC ELISA was assessed visually as either positive or negative by a reader blinded to the echocardiographic findings, and results were analyzed relative to quantitative assay results.ResultsTwenty‐six cats were diagnosed with underlying cardiac disease, and 27 cats were considered free of cardiac disease. Cats with cardiac disease included: 21 with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, 2 with unclassified cardiomyopathy, 2 with restrictive cardiomyopathy, and 1 with 3rd degree atrioventricular (AV) block. The POC ELISA differentiated cats with cardiac disease with a sensitivity of 65.4% and specificity of 100%.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThe POC NT‐proBNP ELISA performed moderately well in a selected population of cats. A negative test result cannot exclude the presence of underlying cardiac disease, and a positive test result indicates that cardiac disease likely is present, but further diagnostic investigation would be indicated for a definitive diagnosis.