This article discusses the ProBNP test for cats.
It’s Responsible Pet Ownership Month, and Mount Carmel Animal Hospital wants to help you understand more about your cat’s heart health! This article discusses the ProBNP test for cats. It is a simple blood exam that can inform us about your cat’s heart health.
What is a ProBNP Test?
Some types of heart disease can be hard to diagnose, particularly in cats, yet heart disease is very prevalent. The ProBNP test detects a protein released due to cardiac stretch or stress, known as N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide. The concentration of the NTproBNP protein will increase with the severity of heart disease, which gives us an indication of your cat’s heart health. In simpler terms, the higher the NTproBNP value, the more significant the risk for heart disease.
What Does a ProBNP Tell You?
While a ProBNP test for cats doesn’t substitute a visit to the veterinarian, it can help to determine if a cardiology evaluation is necessary. If we hear a murmur or odd rhythm during your cat’s physical examination, the ProBNP test can help us figure out the problem’s severity. It can also detect a potential problem even if the initial exam appears normal. Cats often have heart issue without a murmur or arrhythmia. A cardiac workup will be necessary to determine the exact cause if the ProBNP is elevated. The ProBNP can alert us to a problem we may not know existed, allowing us to treat any underlying heart issues before they become a major concern for your cat’s health.
The Importance of a ProBNP Test
The ProBNP test is among the most helpful in screening for unknown heart disease in felines of all ages. At Mount Carmel Animal Hospital, we can help detect asymptomatic heart disease in younger cats with a ProBNP exam. Heart disease in felines is known as a silent killer and often has no apparent symptoms until it is too late or your cat is already under anesthesia for preventive care such as neuters, spays, or even dental.
Severe kidney disease, asthma, hyperthyroidism, hypertension, and chronic pulmonary disease can trigger elevations in the ProBNP protein. If your cat’s level is high with no symptoms, unusual rhythm, or murmur, another disease process might contribute. For this reason, it’s always advisable to operate the ProBNP with a chemistry panel and total complete blood count (CBC). In summary, ProBNP testing could save your pet’s life!
HERE AT MOUNT CARMEL ANIMAL HOSPITAL, WE’LL TREAT YOUR PETS LIKE FAMILY!
Mount Carmel Animal Hospital has been serving the Northern Baltimore/Southern York community for over 30 years and is proud to be an independently operated, small animal practice committed to excellence in veterinary medicine and client service. From grooming to wellness services, along with Canine Life Skills Training Courses, and surgical procedures, we have the expertise that will best serve the needs of you and your pet. Contact us at 410-343-0200 and follow us on Facebook.