Effects of Breed, Exercise, and a Two-Month Training Period on NT-proBNP-Levels in Athletic Dogs

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Cardiology
• Biomarkers
• Canine Exercise Physiology

Background:

• N-terminal pro-b-type natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP) is a key biomarker for myocardial wall stress.
• Physical activity and cardiac conditions significantly impact serum NTproBNP concentrations in dogs.
• Previous research indicates varied effects of different exercise types on NTproBNP in humans.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of different exercise types and intensities on NTproBNP concentrations in two dog breeds.
• To determine if a two-month training period alters NTproBNP levels at rest or post-exercise.
• To explore correlations between echocardiographic parameters and NTproBNP levels.

Main Methods:

• Compared NTproBNP levels in German Shepherd Dogs (GSDs) and Eurohounds (EHs) before and after exercise at baseline (T0) and after a two-month training period (T2mth).
• Assessed echocardiographic parameters including heart size and wall thickness at T0.
• Analyzed exercise-induced changes in NTproBNP and the effect of the training period.

Main Results:

• Eurohounds exhibited larger heart sizes and higher baseline NTproBNP concentrations than GSDs.
• Intense exercise elevated NTproBNP in EHs at both T0 and T2mth; GSDs showed elevation only at T0.
• Post-exercise NTproBNP increased from T0 to T2mth in EHs, while GSDs showed a decrease.
• Echocardiographic heart size and wall thickness correlated with NTproBNP at T0.

Conclusions:

• Canine NTproBNP concentrations differ significantly between breeds, influenced by exercise type and intensity.
• Intense physical activity can transiently increase NTproBNP above reference ranges.
• A two-month training regimen did not alter resting NTproBNP but modified post-exercise responses in a breed-dependent manner.