Calcium Related Genes in Dogs as Potential Cardiac Biomarkers for the Detection of Chronic Mitral Valve Disease

Chronic mitral valvular insufficiency (CMVI) is probably the most common cause of congestive heart failure (CHF) in dogs. Although, recent advances in veterinary diagnostic imaging technology have enabled us to detect CHF earlier and more accurately, the accuracy and reliability of this technology heavily hinders on the experience and skill of the operator. Assays for cardiac biomarkers are a reliable method for the detection and evaluation of cardiac diseases in humans and dogs. Although, several cardiac biomarkers have been used and being widely used in small animal practice, several problems are encountered and hinders the clinical application of cardiac biomarker assays in small animal practice. Therefore, recent studies focus on developing new type of cardiac biomarkers, which can overcome limitations of pre-existing markers such as NT-pro BNP, cardiac troponins. This review focused on new cardiac biomarkers and patents about calcium related genes involving in myocardial contraction in dogs.