Mitral valve disease is one of the most common heart conditions in dogs: it accounts for nearly 80% of heart diseases in our companions. Also known as mitral endocardiosis, it mainly affects small and medium-sized breeds.
If you’re not familiar with this disease, this article is for you! Let’s discover together what it is, the most affected breeds, the symptoms, and how to manage it.
Monitor my dog's heart healthIn summary … #
Do you suspect your dog has a heart problem? This article explains everything you need to know about mitral valve disease, a common condition in older dogs.
- What is MVD? A degenerative disease of the mitral valve leading to heart failure.
- At-risk breeds: mainly small breeds like the Cavalier King Charles, Poodle, and Chihuahua.
- Symptoms to watch for: persistent cough, fatigue, shortness of breath, and exercise intolerance.
- Veterinary diagnosis: cardiac ultrasound, X-ray, and auscultation.
- Treatments: medications to slow progression, regular monitoring, and sometimes surgery.
- Tips to improve quality of life: adapted diet, moderate exercise, and increased monitoring.
Understanding Mitral Valve Disease in Dogs #
What is the mitral valve? #
The mitral valve is located between the left atrium and the left ventricle of the heart. Its role is to allow oxygenated blood to circulate through the body by preventing any backflow. When it deteriorates, it no longer closes properly, leading to blood leakage and overloading the heart.
Is this disease common in dogs? #
This condition mainly affects dogs over 7 years old and is particularly prevalent in small breeds. Aging of the heart tissues is the main cause, although genetic factors can also promote its onset.
In terms of frequency, it is estimated that between 5 and 10% of dogs will be affected by heart disease during their lifetime. And among them, 80% will be affected by mitral valve disease. Some breeds are indeed at high risk of developing it during their lifetime.
Breeds most affected by mitral valve disease #
Some breeds are predisposed to this disease. Here are the main ones:
| Breeds | Risk Level |
|---|---|
| Cavalier King Charles | Very high |
| Poodle | High |
| Yorkshire Terrier | High |
| Chihuahua | Medium |
| Dachshund | Medium |
Symptoms of Mitral Valve Disease #
The early signs of the disease can be subtle, which is why it may not be immediately noticed. Unfortunately, as with all diseases, the later the intervention, the more severe the diagnosis is likely to be.
That’s why it’s important to be vigilant about these symptoms:
- Persistent cough, especially after exertion or at night.
- Shortness of breath and rapid breathing.
- Unusual fatigue, refusal to play or go for long walks.
- Loss of appetite and weight loss.
- Swollen abdomen due to fluid accumulation.
Health tools, like the Minitailz by Invoxia, can help you quickly spot these signs. With an advanced and precise respiratory rate scan over 95%, you have daily access to a clear graph and reports that alert you in case of any changes or abnormalities.
Stages of the disease #
The progression of the disease generally follows three stages:
- Asymptomatic stage: heart murmur detected during a consultation, but no visible symptoms.
- Moderate stage: clinical signs present but still manageable on a daily basis.
- Advanced stage: severe heart failure with respiratory distress and loss of mobility.
Causes and Risk Factors of MVD in Dogs #
There are two main causes for mitral valve disease:
- Predisposed breeds often develop the disease due to specific genetic mutations. A dog whose parents are affected is more likely to contract it.
- The influence of lifestyle and environment, such as poor diet, lack of exercise, canine obesity, or chronic stress.
While you can’t do anything about the first risk factor, you can act on the second. Make sure to adapt their diet and habits to keep them as fit as possible!
How to diagnose the disease? #
A dog with the condition usually presents a heart murmur detected during auscultation. To confirm the diagnosis, the veterinarian performs several tests:
- Echocardiography: allows observation of the valve condition and measurement of the extent of blood backflow.
- Thoracic X-ray: useful for detecting cardiac hypertrophy.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): analyzes the heart’s electrical activity.
What is the treatment for mitral valve disease in dogs? #
There is no cure, but several treatments can stabilize the disease and improve the dog’s comfort:
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors): facilitate blood circulation and reduce cardiac pressure.
- Diuretics: help eliminate excess accumulated fluid.
- Beta-blockers: regulate heart rate and limit hypertension.
Of course, these treatments are prescribed by your veterinarian based on the stage of the disease.
In some advanced cases, surgery may be performed, but it remains costly and reserved for specific situations.
My dog has MVD: what is their life expectancy? #
Life expectancy mainly depends on the dog’s age at diagnosis, medical management, and lifestyle. However, once they start developing clinical signs of heart failure or pulmonary edema, their life expectancy is generally estimated at 1 year.
That’s why rigorous veterinary follow-up, accompanied by health devices like Minitailz, can significantly extend the duration and quality of life. A few months ago, Invoxia’s dog tracker even helped detect pulmonary edema in Cracotte, allowing her family to enjoy her for a few more weeks.
How to help a dog with mitral valve disease? #
To ensure your dog lives as normal a life as possible, consider two things:
👉 Adapt their diet #
A balanced and low-sodium diet helps limit water retention and cardiac stress. Some supplements like omega-3s can have a protective effect.
👉 Maintain moderate physical activity #
Intense exercises should be avoided, but short regular walks are essential to preserve the dog’s muscle and vitality. This allows the heart muscle to work gently!
Mitral valve disease is a common condition in older dogs, but it can be well managed with appropriate treatment and a healthy lifestyle. Regular veterinary monitoring, a proper diet, and monitoring the dog’s activity are essential to ensure their well-being. With adequate care, a dog with the condition can still live several years in good conditions.