New AI-based technology developed by MI:RNA, a veterinary diagnostics company and spinout from Scotland’s Rural College, helps dogs and cats with heart disease live up to 18 months longer.

MI:RNA’s diagnostic testing technology has 85% sensitivity and 83% accuracy for spotting common heart diseases, such as mitral valve disease (MMVD). Current standards of testing miss early signs of heart disease in up to 9 out of 10 cases.

The company’s NEMO Cardiac Health Screening test detects heart disease earlier in dogs and cats by analysing microRNAs—newly discovered biomarkers involved in disease progression and resolution. When combined with AI, this approach significantly improves early identification of conditions like MMVD.

MMVD can lead to heart failure. Early cases are often missed as they have no pronounced symptoms and this preclinical phase can last months or even years.

By identifying MMVD earlier, MI:RNA’s microRNA profiling and AI algorithms can help vets diagnose and monitor disease progression more effectively and assist pet owners and breeders in directing health care.

The spinout’s new technology is also applicable for early detection of other pet diseases, including epilepsy, kidney disease, intestinal diseases, and cancer.

Recommended reading

• Why You Need to Stop Using Your Pets’ Names in Passwords
• Can Robot AI Dogs Find Hidden Explosive Devices?
• What is the ‘Rural Rift’ in Scotland’s Tech Sector?

Eve Hanks is the founder and CEO of MI:RNA. She said: “MMVD is the most common cardiovascular disease in canines and it is estimated that 10% of all dogs seen in primary care veterinary practices have some form of heart disease. In older dogs the prevalence can be as high as 60%.

“It’s clear then that there is a need for additional reliable tools to diagnose and correctly stage MMVD in dogs, by using approaches like the application of microRNA profiling, backed by powerful AI algorithms.

“The use of precision medicine in veterinary diagnostics will help pet owners and breeders alike to ascertain where to direct their efforts and finances accordingly. There is massive potential to use this technology to help breeds who have real problems with heart disease and other diseases and will consequently help owners and breeders to identify affected animals more quickly.”