Mitral Valve Disease
Mitral Valve Disease (MVD) is a heart condition in dogs, particularly in small and older breeds.
What is Mitral Valve Disease?
Mitral Valve Disease (MVD) is a heart condition in dogs, particularly in small and older breeds. It occurs when the mitral valve, which separates the left atrium from the left ventricle, degenerates and fails to close properly. This leads to blood leaking backward, causing the heart to work harder and eventually leading to congestive heart failure.
Signs Your Dog May Have Mitral Valve Disease
Symptoms can include:
🐾 A heart murmur detected during a routine vet visit
🐾 Persistent coughing, especially at night
🐾 Laboured or rapid breathing
🐾 Reduced exercise tolerance or reluctance to play
🐾 Fainting or collapse (in severe cases)
🐾 Increased resting respiratory rate
🐾 Lethargy and weakness
If your dog shows any of these signs, a vet check-up is recommended to allow for treatment and prevent further complications.
What Causes Mitral Valve Disease?
Several factors contribute, including:
🐾 Age-Related Degeneration – Most common cause, especially in small breeds
🐾 Genetics – Breeds like Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Miniature Poodles are predisposed
🐾 Heart Disease Progression – Some dogs develop Mitral Valve Disease as a secondary issue to other heart conditions
When to See a Vet
Schedule a veterinary visit if:
🐾 You notice any signs of heart disease (coughing, difficulty breathing, reduced activity)
🐾 Your dog has been diagnosed with a heart murmur and symptoms are worsening
🐾 Your dog’s resting/sleeping respiratory rate is consistently over 30 breaths per minute
🐾 Fainting episodes or signs of severe distress occur
At My Corner Vet Nedlands, we offer gentle, professional treatment to relieve discomfort and prevent further complications experienced with MVD.
Professional Mitral Valve Disease Treatment at My Corner Vet
At My Corner Vet, we diagnose Mitral Valve Disease through physical exams, chest X-rays and blood tests to assess heart function and the stage of the disease. If needed your pet may be referred for special imaging of the heart. Treatment depends on disease severity and may include:
Regular Monitoring
Routine check-ups and follow-ups to adjust treatment as needed
Dietary Changes
Low-sodium diets to reduce heart strain
Medications
Certain drugs may be prescribed to improve heart function
How to Prevent Mitral Valve Disease
While MVD cannot always be prevented, you can help reduce the risk and slow progression by:
🐾 Keeping your dog at a healthy weight to reduce heart strain
🐾 Avoiding excessive salt in your dog’s diet
🐾 Scheduling routine veterinary check-ups to detect early heart murmurs
🐾 Monitoring and managing high blood pressure in at-risk dogs
Frequently Asked Questions
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No, MVD is a progressive disease, but with proper management, dogs can live comfortable lives for years.
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It varies. Many dogs live several years with medication, while advanced cases may have a shorter prognosis. Early diagnosis improves outcomes.
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Regular at-home monitoring is crucial for tracking your dog’s MVD and ensuring timely adjustments to treatment. It’s important to check your dog’s resting respiratory rate (RRR) while they are asleep, observe any changes in behavior, energy levels, and weight, and watch for signs of coughing. If their RRR exceeds 30 breaths per minute while sleeping or you notice any concerning changes, contact your veterinarian promptly.
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Regular check-ups every 3-6 months are recommended, but frequency may increase as the disease progresses.
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MVD is most common in small breeds, but large dogs can develop similar heart conditions, like dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), which affects the heart muscle.
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🐾 For help with signs of MVD, contact our team for assistance.
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