The research activity is focused on the use of different diagnostic tools including thoracic radiography, electrocardiography including 24-hour monitoring, echocardiography, and clinical pathology in the diagnostic work-up of dogs and cats with different cardiovascular disorders. The research unit works in strong cooperation with other veterinary cardiology labs of Italian and foreign Universities as well as private veterinary practices.

In particular, the main topics of the research activity include:

• Evaluation of the diagnostic accuracy of thoracic radiography for the identification of different cardiovascular diseases in small animals
• Use of advanced echocardiographic techniques and circulating biomarker for the clinical evaluation of dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease
• Laboratory diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in dogs with cardiac disease
• Use of artificial intelligence for the interpretation of thoracic radiographs of small animals
• Risk factors of atrial fibrillation in dogs with cardiac disease

Five publications related to the Research topic for the candidate interview:

• Keene BW, Atkins C, Bonagura J, et al. ACVIM consensus guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of myxomatous mitral valve disease in dogs. J Vet Intern Med. 2019; 33: 1127-1140.
• Reinero, C.; Visser, L.C.; Kellihan, H.B.; Masseau, I.; Rozanski, E.; Clercx, C.; Williams, K.; Abbott, J.; Borgarelli, M.; Scansen, B.A. ACVIM Consensus Statement Guidelines for the Diagnosis, Classification, Treatment, and Monitoring of Pulmonary Hypertension in Dogs. J Vet Intern Med 2020; 34: 549–573, doi:10.1111/jvim.15725.
• Luis Fuentes V, Abbott J, Chetboul V, et al. ACVIM consensus statement guidelines for the classification, diagnosis, and management of cardiomyopathies in cats. J Vet Intern Med 2020; 34: 1062-1077.
• Arques S, Ambrosi P. Human serum albumin in the clinical syndrome of heart failure. J Card Fail. 2011; 17 (6): 451–458.
• El Iskandarani M , El Kurdi  , Murtaza  G. , Paul T.K. , Refaat  M.M. Prognostic role of albumin level in heart failure: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine 2021; 100: e24785.

Tutor: Prof. Carlo Guglielmini
e-mail address: carlo.guglielmini@unipd.it