Research Note: Predicting Heart Failure or Cardiac Death in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease

This prospective, placebo-controlled study of 168 dogs with preclinical myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) and cardiomegaly assessed the ability of echocardiographic values and cardiac biomarkers (ie, N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide [NTproBNP], cardiac troponin I) to help predict the risk for heart failure or cardiac death. A composite of 3 variables (left atrium:aortic root ratio, early transmitral peak velocity, and NTproBNP value) was significantly associated with increased risk for heart failure or cardiac death and represents a useful predictive model. Results of this study may provide a basis for future therapeutic interventions to delay the progression of MMVD.