Interpreting cardiac biomarkers in small animal practice

Background : Cardiac troponin‐I (cTnI) and N‐terminal pro B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) are two cardiac biomarkers readily available on the market. These two biomarkers are useful diagnostic tools used in the right setting: differentiating cardiac and non‐cardiac causes of respiratory distress and providing prognosis prediction. However, these tests have their limitations and their results should be interpreted with these limitations in mind. Aim of the article : This article reviews the available evidence around the physiology of cTnI and NT‐proBNP – the commercially available assays – and discusses their indications, limitations and result interpretation for each biomarker. The emerging biomarker, microRNA, is also briefly discussed.