Mitral valve disease in dogs, or mitral valve disease dog, is a leading cause of heart trouble in canines, especially as they age. If you’re here, you’re likely concerned about how this condition can affect your dog’s health and wellbeing. This article provides an essential guide on what causes mitral valve disease dog, the breeds it most commonly impacts, and the signs that suggest your dog might be suffering from it. Expect to gain insights into diagnostic measures, treatment options, and crucial home management strategies to help your furry friend lead a comfortable life.
Mitral valve disease, also known as chronic degenerative valve disease or myxomatous mitral valve disease, occurs when degenerative changes to the heart valves lead to mitral regurgitation. This degeneration causes the mitral valve to thicken and become floppy, preventing it from closing tightly and allowing blood to leak backwards. This disease is the most common heart condition in dogs, representing approximately 75% of heart disease cases and putting them at risk of developing heart disease. It most commonly affects small to medium-sized dogs and is particularly prevalent in dogs over the age of 10.
The causes of these degenerative changes are uncertain, but a genetic component is suspected, particularly in certain breeds. The preclinical course of degenerative mitral valve disease can span many years before overt symptoms develop. Comprehending the causes, risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options of MVD is instrumental in its early detection and effective management.
Mitral valve disease in dogs is often a result of a degenerative process associated with aging where the valve experiences degenerative changes, including thickening and becoming less structurally sound. These changes can impair the structural integrity needed for proper valve function, which can prevent the valve from closing correctly, causing mitral valve insufficiency.
Moreover, there is an inherited genetic component to mitral valve disease that is suspected in some breeds, indicating a possible predisposition in these dogs. Other potential factors that could contribute to the risk of developing mitral valve disease in dogs include unidentified causes not associated with known genetic predispositions.
Recognizing these causes and risk factors can facilitate the early detection and management of MVD.
Certain breeds such as Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have a heightened prevalence of myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD), indicating a genetic influence. These breeds are notably predisposed to developing MMVD at a relatively young age. Other breeds predisposed to mitral valve disease include:
Generally, small breed dogs, or toy breeds with average adult weights under 9 kg, represent most dogs at elevated risk for developing MMVD. This prevalence of MVD in specific breeds underscores the suspected genetic component of the disease, further emphasizing the importance of regular veterinary check-ups and health monitoring in these breeds.
Mitral valve insufficiency in dogs is initially asymptomatic, meaning there are no obvious clinical signs early on. However, as the disease progresses, the first detectable signs of developing heart failure due to mitral valve disease may include gagging as if clearing the throat, a chronic hacking cough, and reduced stamina.
As the condition advances, dogs with mitral valve disease may exhibit increased efforts to breathe, persistent coughing, and episodes of collapse. Congestive heart failure stemming from mitral valve disease can lead to fluid accumulation in the lungs, known as pulmonary edema, which causes coughing. Hence, it’s vital to recognize these symptoms and promptly seek veterinary care if they are noticed.
Heart murmurs are an early sign of mitral valve disease in dogs and can be detected by auscultation during veterinary checkups. These murmurs are caused by turbulent blood flow due to a malfunction of the mitral valve, which does not close completely, allowing backflow into the left atrium and creating a characteristic ‘whooshing’ sound.
Dogs affected by mitral valve disease might start showing heart murmurs as early as four to six years of age. While the presence of a heart murmur does not necessarily indicate immediate heart failure, it is a crucial sign for the potential development of congestive heart failure over time in dogs with mitral valve disease.
As mitral valve disease progresses, fluid accumulation in the lungs and heart enlargement are early signs indicating progression towards congestive heart failure. Additionally, as the disease advances, dogs may suffer from peripheral or limb edema, fluid in the abdomen, and a stretched heart leading to reduced efficiency and congestive heart failure.
Symptoms such as persistent coughing, intolerance to exercise, and respiratory distress become readily observable as the disease progresses. The speed of disease progression varies, with some dogs experiencing rapid progression to congestive heart failure within a year, while others may have a slower course. Hence, diligently monitoring symptoms and maintaining regular veterinary checkups are vital for managing the progression of MVD.
Diagnosing mitral valve disease involves initial diagnostic tests including chest radiographs to determine heart size and check for fluid in the lungs, blood and urine tests to assess organ function, and electrocardiograms to detect abnormal heart rhythms. Echocardiograms are central in diagnosing mitral valve disease by providing detailed views of valve anatomy, severity of regurgitation, and left ventricle size and function.
Consistent re-evaluation of a dog’s condition is necessary to monitor the progression of mitral valve disease. This involves:
Hence, early diagnosis, extensive testing, and regular monitoring are central to managing MVD.
Once a diagnosis of MVD has been made, treatment options include medications, dietary adjustments, and in certain cases, surgical interventions. The type of treatment required often depends on the stage of the disease and the specific symptoms exhibited by the dog.
Medications such as diuretics, ACE inhibitors, inodilators, and aldosterone antagonists, including pimobendan, are often necessary for dogs with mitral valve disease, especially those with heart enlargement or congestive heart failure. Additionally, dietary adjustments for dogs with mitral valve disease include a mild sodium restriction and providing a diet that is highly palatable, with adequate protein and calories to maintain optimal body condition.
In certain cases, dogs with mitral valve disease may undergo surgical interventions to reduce regurgitation.
Medications play a vital role in the management of MVD. Dogs with the disease are often treated with a range of medications including:
Furosemide is the most commonly prescribed diuretic, with spironolactone providing additional renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system blockade and diuresis.
Monitoring patients for side effects and modifying treatment protocols is essential, especially when using medications like digoxin for rhythm disturbances, which demand meticulous management due to their potential for adverse effects. Hence, a collaborative approach involving the pet owner and the veterinarian is essential for effective management of MVD with medications.
Dietary considerations play an important role in managing MVD. Monitoring sodium intake is essential for dogs with mitral valve disease, especially at Stage D, to avoid compromising appetite or renal function. Veterinary-prescribed diets like Royal Canin Veterinary Diet: Early Cardiac and Hill’s Prescription Diet: Heart Care H/D, are formulated to support dogs’ heart function and manage symptoms of congestive heart failure.
Before the onset of heart failure, it is recommended to avoid very salty foods and non-traditional diets high in legumes for dogs with mitral valve disease. Hence, proper nutrition is a critical aspect of managing MVD in dogs, and dietary modifications should be carried out under the guidance of a veterinarian.
In some cases, surgical repair of the mitral valve is possible in dogs. This procedure is performed through open-heart surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass and is facilitated by specialized programs like the one at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. However, the cost for mitral valve repair surgery can be substantial, typically ranging between $45,000-50,000, with postoperative care requiring a seven-day hospital stay and scheduled rechecks at multiple intervals after discharge.
Risks and complications from mitral valve repair surgery can be significant, with potential outcomes ranging from bleeding and infection to clot formation, arrhythmias, blood pressure issues, and in severe cases, death. However, dogs that undergo successful mitral valve surgery may experience a reduction in medication doses or cessation of some medications, with a full return to activity usually expected within three months post-operation.
While veterinary care is essential in managing MVD, monitoring and managing the disease at home also plays a crucial role. Monitoring a dog’s resting/sleeping respiratory rate daily is recommended, ensuring it falls within the normal range of 15-30 breaths per minute, to identify changes in their heart condition and guide treatment efficacy. Increased respiratory effort, indicated by pronounced chest movements, open-mouth breathing, stretched-out neck, wide stance, or preference for sleeping in a sternal position, can signal progression of heart disease and may require veterinary attention.
In addition to monitoring respiratory rates, low-intensity and gradually increasing exercises are recommended for dogs with mitral valve disease. This helps maintain their health without overexerting the heart.
Furthermore, diets high in fiber can regulate bowel function and keep stools firm, providing a benefit for dogs with congestive heart failure.
The resting respiratory rate is an important indicator of heart function and aids in the early detection of potential complications associated with MVD. A normal resting respiratory rate for dogs with MVD is typically less than 36 breaths per minute.
Checking the Sleeping or Resting Respiratory Rate (SRR or RRR), is a crucial part of monitoring dogs with congestive heart failure, as it helps to detect changes in the dog’s heart condition. Observing the sleeping or resting breathing rates can help track the progression of mitral valve disease in dogs, with rates exceeding 30 breaths per minute indicating a potential worsening of the condition.
Exercise is beneficial for dogs with chronic mitral valve disease, contributing to their overall well-being. Supervised aerobic exercise training on a treadmill has been observed to improve physical conditioning and enhance quality of life in dogs suffering from chronic mitral valve disease.
Light walking, typically two to three times per week for about 20 to 30 minutes, is an encouraged activity for dogs with chronic mitral valve disease. Adhering consistently to the recommended exercise regimen can help control the symptoms associated with chronic mitral valve disease in dogs.
The prognosis for dogs with mitral valve disease is variable, with a range of one to two years or even longer after diagnosis. Dogs that stabilize quickly with treatment often live a good quality of life, and surgical repair, when available, can lead to survival times of several years post-surgery.
However, dogs with advanced mitral valve disease, or those that develop congestive heart failure, have a poorer prognosis. But many can still enjoy a quality life with the right treatment. Regular veterinary checkups and monitoring are pivotal for effective disease management, allowing a majority of asymptomatic dogs to live many years without showing clinical signs of heart failure.
Early diagnosis, treatment response, and disease progression are the primary factors that influence survival time and quality of life for dogs with mitral valve disease. Many dogs with mitral valve disease, when detected early and monitored closely, can lead long and healthy lives without significant health deterioration.
Effective management of mitral valve disease in dogs relies on diligent monitoring and communication between the pet owner, primary care veterinarian, and cardiologist. Combination therapy including pimobendan, an ACE inhibitor, and a diuretic has been shown to increase the median survival time of dogs with congestive heart failure resulting from mitral valve disease.
Regular veterinary checkups and monitoring are paramount for managing dogs with mitral valve disease. These regular assessments are essential in slowing the progression of heart failure related to mitral valve disease through early diagnosis and treatment modification.
The staging from Stage A to D is vital in determining the timely medical intervention and treatments for dogs with mitral valve disease, underscoring the importance of consistent veterinary evaluations. Therefore, regular veterinary checkups should be a part of every pet owner’s routine, especially for those with dogs predisposed to MVD.
Mitral Valve Disease is a common heart condition in dogs, particularly affecting small to medium-sized breeds. The disease, characterized by degeneration of the heart valves leading to mitral regurgitation, can present challenges for both pets and their owners. However, with early detection, appropriate treatment, and diligent monitoring, many dogs with MVD can enjoy a good quality of life. As pet owners, it is our responsibility to ensure our furry friends receive the best care possible, and understanding the complexities of conditions like MVD is a crucial part of that commitment.
The prognosis for dogs with mitral valve disease varies, but for those who develop congestive heart failure, the average survival time with medical therapy is around one year, depending on individual factors. Once heart failure occurs, the average survival time is less than 1 year, depending on various factors.
The life expectancy of patients after mitral valve repair matches that of the general US population between 40 and 89 years, indicating a positive prognosis for these individuals.
The symptoms of mitral valve disease in dogs can include coughing, breathlessness, and low energy, which may vary in severity depending on the extent of valve damage. These signs are especially prevalent in small breeds like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Mitral Valve Disease (MVD) in dogs is a degenerative heart condition that involves changes to the heart valves, leading to mitral regurgitation. It is commonly found in small to medium-sized breeds.
MVD is diagnosed through physical examinations, auscultation, echocardiograms, and chest X-rays, with regular re-evaluations to monitor the disease's progression.
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