The mechanism of C-type natriuretic peptide production in dogs and its use as a prognostic indicator in critically ill dogs

Abstract

Sepsis in canine populations is a serious problem and is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Rapid identification of sepsis is crucial to providing proper treatment in a timely fashion and biological markers, or biomarkers, can aid in the diagnosis of sepsis. A circulating protein in the body known as the Nterminal portion of pro C-type natriuretic peptide (NT-pCNP) has shown promise as a diagnostic biomarker for sepsis in humans and dogs. Dogs with sepsis have significantly greater concentrations of NT-pCNP compared to healthy dogs and dogs with other forms of critical illness. The mechanism of NT-pCNP induction in dogs is unknown and this information is key to guide further research using NT-pCNP as a biomarker. In addition to diagnostic biomarkers, there is a need for prognostic biomarkers to allow clinicians and pet owners to make more informed decisions regarding treatment and for proper stratification in clinical trials. NT-pCNP has not been extensively evaluated as a prognostic biomarker for canine sepsis.