Future studies should be carried out to obtain more data on dogs with MMVD stage B and systemic hypertension as well as to compare NT-proBNP concentrations between normotensive and hypertensive dogs with MMVD stage B. A dog with systemic hypertension in MMVD stage B has increased NT-proBNP; therefore, it would be meaningful to check how fast the period of progression to heart failure is, in such a dog, than in a normotensive dog with MMVD stage B. In reality, long-term monitoring studies are unlikely to proceed because treatment is performed in dogs with systemic hypertension. The gene discussed is NPPB; the disease is heart failure.