How to Detect Heart Disease in Cats Using Blood Tests

A diagnostic method that uses specific antibodies to measure a protein in cat blood, helping veterinarians identify heart disease.

What it covers

This patent describes a laboratory test to measure the concentration of a protein called NT-proBNP in a cat's blood. The process uses two specific types of antibodies, each designed to lock onto a unique part of the NT-proBNP protein sequence. By binding these antibodies to the protein in a blood sample, the test can quantify how much of the protein is present. If the concentration is higher than what is found in a healthy cat, it serves as a biomarker to indicate the presence of heart disease.

What it doesn't cover

• —Does not cover diagnostic methods for species other than cats (e.g., humans or dogs).
• —Does not cover the use of monoclonal antibodies; it is limited to the specific polyclonal antibodies described.
• —Does not cover testing methods that use different amino acid sequences for the antibodies.
• —Does not cover the treatment of heart disease, only the diagnostic measurement.

The clever bit

The innovation lies in identifying two specific, highly reactive peptide sequences (SEQ ID NO:6 and SEQ ID NO:9) that act as reliable targets for antibodies, ensuring the test accurately captures the feline NT-proBNP protein without interference.

Why it matters

Heart disease is a common and often silent killer in cats. This diagnostic tool provides a standardized, objective way for veterinarians to screen for cardiac issues before physical symptoms become severe, allowing for earlier medical intervention.

Real-world examples

• 1.Veterinary diagnostic blood panels for feline cardiac health
• 2.IDEXX Laboratories feline NT-proBNP tests