Advances in Companion Animal Cardiology: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approaches

A special issue of Veterinary Sciences (ISSN 2306-7381). This special issue belongs to the section "Veterinary Internal Medicine".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 December 2025 | Viewed by 7675

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Immuno-Physiology and Pharmacology, Veterinary Hospital of the University of Porto—UPVET, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
Interests: veterinary cardiology; mitral valve disease; cardiac biomarkers; pulmonary hypertension; cardiovascular pharmacology; echocardiography; heartworm disease

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Guest Editor
1. Hospital Veterinário do Porto, Trav. Silva Porto 475, 4250-475 Porto, Portugal
2. Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Campo Grande, 376, 1749-024 Lisboa, Portugal
3. Centro de Estudos de Ciência Animal (CECA), Instituto de Ciências, Tecnologias e Agroambiente da Universidade do Porto (ICETA), Rua D. Manuel II, Apartado 55142, 4051-401 Porto, Portugal
Interests: veterinary cardiology; dilated cardiomyopathy; congenital heart disease; electrocardiography; mitral valve disease; minimally invasive surgery
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Guest Editor
Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
Interests: experimental pathology; veterinary cardiology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Cardiovascular diseases represent a significant concern in veterinary medicine, particularly in companion animals such as dogs and cats. As these pets are playing increasingly central roles in human families, protecting their health and wellbeing has become a top priority. Cardiac conditions in animals show a complexity comparable to those in human medicine, presenting challenges in terms of early detection, precise diagnosis, and the development of effective therapies. Addressing these challenges requires a commitment to advancing diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. This Special Issue, "Advances in Companion Animal Cardiology: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approaches", will explore this rapidly evolving field, highlighting the importance of innovative techniques and personalized treatments. By focusing on early detection and tailored interventions, this collection of papers will underscore their critical role in enhancing quality of life for companion animals and extending their lifespan. This Special Issue will cover a diverse range of topics, including advanced imaging technologies, biomarker identification, genetic research, minimally invasive procedures, and the latest pharmacological innovations. It will provide a comprehensive overview of recent progress in diagnosing and managing cardiac conditions, from congenital anomalies to acquired diseases. By bringing together cutting-edge research and clinical expertise, this Special Issue will foster collaboration among scientists and veterinarians dedicated to companion animal cardiology. It will serve as a catalyst for further innovation, bridging gaps in knowledge and advancing the care provided to pets.

Dr. Ana Patrícia Fontes-Sousa
Prof. Dr. Luís Lobo
Dr. Maria João Miranda Pires
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • companion animal cardiology
  • cardiac diagnostics in veterinary medicine
  • therapeutic approaches to animal heart disease
  • innovations in veterinary cardiology
  • cardiovascular diseases in dogs and cats

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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9 pages, 751 KiB  
Article
Preliminary Evaluation of NT-proBNP and cTnI as Predictors of Procedure Safety in Dogs Undergoing Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Mitral Valve Repair
by Jeong-Min Lee, Seung-Keun Lee, Kyoung-A Youp, Ah-Ra Lee, Young-Wook Cho, Youn-Seo Jung and Sun-Tae Lee
Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(3), 223; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12030223 - 2 Mar 2025
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Abstract
Myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) in dogs can be treated with transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair (TEER), an emerging minimally invasive surgical technique. However, reports on prognostic markers for preoperative evaluation remain limited. This study evaluated the association of preoperative N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic [...] Read more.
Myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) in dogs can be treated with transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair (TEER), an emerging minimally invasive surgical technique. However, reports on prognostic markers for preoperative evaluation remain limited. This study evaluated the association of preoperative N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) levels with procedure safety in dogs undergoing TEER. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 25 dogs diagnosed with stage C (n = 18) or D (n = 7) MMVD that underwent TEER between September 2023 and January 2025. Preoperative NT-proBNP and cTnI values were measured and compared between survivors and non-survivors. Among the survivors, 15 and 4 dogs were stages C and D, respectively. Among the non-survivors, three and three dogs were stages C and D, respectively. Non-survivors had higher median NT-proBNP levels (3557 pmol/L; range: 774–10,000) and cTnI levels (0.39 ng/mL; range: 0.22–0.51) than survivors (NT-proBNP: 1262.6 pmol/L, range: 500–8773; cTnI: 0.1 ng/mL, range: 0.01–3.6). However, the two groups showed no significant differences in NT-proBNP (p = 0.187) or cTnI (p = 0.869). Increased preoperative NT-proBNP and cTnI levels were not strong predictors of procedure safety in dogs with MMVD stages C and D undergoing TEER. Further studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods are needed to better evaluate the prognostic value of these biomarkers in this population. Full article
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Review

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28 pages, 4376 KiB  
Review
Systemic Arterial Hypertension and Factors Associated with Blood Pressure Dysregulation in Companion Animals
by Felipe Gaia de Sousa, Fabiana Silva Fádel Queiroz, Ruthnéa Aparecida Lázaro Muzzi, Júlio César Cambraia Veado and Suzane Lilian Beier
Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(5), 453; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12050453 - 9 May 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1870
Abstract
Systemic arterial hypertension (SAH), characterised by a persistent increase in BP beyond the reference values for the species, is a concerning and detrimental clinical condition. The aim of this manuscript is to present the state of the art on SAH in companion animals, [...] Read more.
Systemic arterial hypertension (SAH), characterised by a persistent increase in BP beyond the reference values for the species, is a concerning and detrimental clinical condition. The aim of this manuscript is to present the state of the art on SAH in companion animals, including the different types of hypertension, diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, and the factors associated with its occurrence, such as the role of stress. It also discusses the benefits and challenges related to the measurement process. SAH is categorised into types based on the underlying cause: situational, secondary, and idiopathic (the least frequently observed). The situational type occurs when stress is the primary factor, such as during veterinary visits, contact with other animals, or in cases of ‘white coat syndrome’. If the stressor is removed, BP values tend to normalise. The most common type of SAH is the secondary form, which is associated with an underlying condition, such as renal, cardiac, endocrine, or neurological diseases, or a combination of these. Diagnosing SAH is a challenging task for many veterinarians due to factors related to handling the animal, managing the equipment, and interpreting the results. Consequently, many professionals either take inaccurate measurements or misinterpret the results, often prescribing antihypertensive medications prematurely or unnecessarily. Despite being a well-standardised and well-documented process, challenges persist. Treatment often involves antihypertensive drugs, either alone or in combination, alongside management of the underlying causes, when present. Therefore, BP values should be obtained correctly, with clinical-therapeutic decisions carefully aligned with the factors that may influence them. Full article
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32 pages, 5087 KiB  
Review
Clinical-Diagnostic and Therapeutic Advances in Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
by Felipe Gaia de Sousa, Ana Cristina Ribeiro Mendes, Luisa Pimenta de Carvalho and Suzane Lilian Beier
Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(3), 289; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12030289 - 19 Mar 2025
Viewed by 4140
Abstract
A comprehensive literature review was conducted to summarise existing evidence and the latest therapeutic advancements in feline HCM. The disease phenotype is characterised by the development of concentric hypertrophy, which is variable but often asymmetric, primarily affecting the left ventricle. The HCM is [...] Read more.
A comprehensive literature review was conducted to summarise existing evidence and the latest therapeutic advancements in feline HCM. The disease phenotype is characterised by the development of concentric hypertrophy, which is variable but often asymmetric, primarily affecting the left ventricle. The HCM is marked by diastolic dysfunction, resulting in a reduced intracavitary internal diameter due to the disordered alignment of cardiomyocytes and excessive collagen deposition, which thickens the myocardial tissue and impairs relaxation. There is strong evidence supporting the role of genetic mutations in sarcomeric genes in the development of HCM. Clinical signs vary but are frequently associated with congestive heart failure (CHF) and ATE. Diagnosis is based on a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, and imaging studies, although certain aspects of the disease remain insufficiently understood and require further research. Therapeutic management focuses on controlling clinical signs, slowing disease progression, and improving both quality of life and life expectancy. However, ongoing studies are essential to refine diagnostic strategies and explore novel treatment options for better disease management. Full article
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