This very common disease tends to appear in dogs older than 8 years. Small dog breeds are more vulnerable to this condition, including Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Chihuahuas, Miniature Schnauzers, Shih Tzus, Dachshunds, Cocker Spaniels, and Whippets. Some mixed and larger breeds are also prone to the disease.
What Causes Mitral Valve Disease in Dogs?
There are four valves in a dog's heart. The mitral valve separates the left ventricle from the left atrium. In healthy dogs, this valve shuts when the heart contracts, preventing blood from regurgitating or 'backing up' into the atrium.
A leak in the mitral valve can lead to a cascade of other issues, including an enlarged atrium, fluid accumulation in the lungs, and structural damage to the heart.
Symptoms of Mitral Valve Disease in Dogs
If the disease is in its early stages, many dogs may not show any signs, or symptoms may be so subtle that owners mistake them for normal slowing down related to aging. That said, common signs in dogs with mitral valve disease include:
- Collapse
- Coughing
- Weakness
- Intolerance for exercise
- Breathing problems
- Increased respiratory rate
Because symptoms can be vague and overlap with other health conditions and disorders, it's important to contact your primary veterinarian to book an examination for your dog.
Diagnosing Mitral Valve Disease in Dogs
Only your veterinarian or veterinary cardiology specialist will be able to correctly diagnose your dog. When you take your dog in, the vet will begin by conducting a thorough physical examination of your pet. This gives a veterinarian a chance to detect the presence of a heart murmur long before other, more serious symptoms develop. Your vet may also recommend a number of other diagnostic tests, including:
- Radiography: X-rays can give us more information about your dog's internal condition, including the presence of any fluid in the lungs.
- Echocardiography: This diagnostic tool is a way to better understand the structure and function of the valves and heart.
- NT-proBNP: This blood test can show indications of advanced heart failure, especially if there is a large amount of 'regurgitated' blood.
Your dog may also need further testing to check the functioning of its other internal systems, in order to clear them for medications needed to treat its condition.
Treating Mitral Valve Disease In Dogs
There are a large number of drugs that can be used to address mitral valve disease in your pooch, meaning that it's critical for the type and dosage of medications must be carefully calculated for each unique case.
As this disease is progressive, there are different medications used at different points during your dog's treatment. Some of the most commonly used drugs for treating this disease in canines can include:
- Diuretics (e.g. furosemide)
- Vasodilators (e.g. enalapril, benazapril, pimobendan)
- Positive inotropes (e.g. pimobendan, digoxin)
Depending on your dog's case, they may be prescribed other drugs to deal with health issues like high pressure in the vessels of the lungs
Sadly, there is no known cure for this disease at this time, and the medications are palliative in nature to ensure your dog's comfort and extend its life as much as possible.
Prognosis For Dogs With Mitral Valve Disease
Your dog's prognosis will depend on how far its disease has advanced by the time it is diagnosed. If caught early, many dogs can live for many more years, while others with symptoms could only survive a few months.
Having your dog diagnosed by a veterinarian can determine the presence of the disease as well as the stage, so that appropriate treatment can begin.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.