Understanding Your Dog’s proBNP Test
(What it means and what happens next)
Your pet’s proBNP test helps us evaluate how well their heart is functioning. It measures a specific protein released by heart muscle cells when they are under stress or strain.
A high proBNP level doesn’t always mean your pet has heart disease, but it tells us that the heart is working harder than normal, and we need to look closer.
What a High proBNP Means
A mildly or moderately elevated result can happen for several reasons, including:
- Early heart changes before any symptoms appear
- Other illnesses that temporarily affect the heart
- Kidney disease or dehydration
- True heart disease (valve issues, cardiomyopathy, etc.)
It’s important to know:
Anxiety, excitement, or stress from the vet visit do not raise proBNP levels. The test measures heart cell activity — not heart rate or adrenaline levels. So even if your pet was nervous, that does not explain an elevated proBNP result.
Our Follow-Up Plan
If the proBNP is under 1500:
- We will recheck the proBNP in 30 days to confirm whether the number was a temporary change or something persistent.
- If it returns to normal, we’ll continue routine monitoring.
- If it remains elevated, we will move on to chest X-rays to evaluate the heart.
If the proBNP is 1500 or higher:
- We will immediately perform chest X-rays to check the size and shape of the heart and look for any signs of enlargement or fluid buildup.
- If the X-rays are abnormal: this suggests true heart disease, and we may start heart medication based on the findings.
- If the X-rays are normal: we will perform a blood pressure test to see if high blood pressure is stressing the heart.
Why Early Testing Matters
Catching heart changes early lets us:
- Monitor progression before symptoms appear
- Adjust diet, supplements, or medications sooner if needed
- Improve long-term quality of life
Key Takeaways
- A high proBNP doesn’t always mean heart disease.
- Stress or anxiety do not raise this test.
- We recheck in 30 days to see if the change is real or temporary.
- Next steps may include chest X-rays and blood pressure measurement.
By following this protocol, we can make sure your pet’s heart stays as healthy as possible. If you have any additional questions, please call us at 319-277-7675 or email us at [email protected]. We would be happy to assist you.