What are the symptoms of mitral valve disease?

Heart murmur (often the first finding, at a check-up). Coughing. Tiredness, less willingness to exercise. In advanced stages: breathing difficulty, fainting. Many dogs go years without symptoms

Is Mitral valve disease contagious?

Mitral valve disease does not spread directly between animals.

Corazón

Mitral valve disease

Degeneration of the heart's mitral valve, which stops closing properly. It is the most common heart disease in dogs, especially small and older breeds.

Severe🐕 Dogs

Symptoms to watch for

• Heart murmur (often the first finding, at a check-up)
• Coughing
• Tiredness, less willingness to exercise
• In advanced stages: breathing difficulty, fainting
• Many dogs go years without symptoms

Causes

Progressive degeneration of the valve with age. Highly predisposed breeds: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (early onset), Poodle, Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier and other small breeds.

Diagnosis

Auscultation of the murmur plus echocardiography to assess the severity and the right time to start treatment.

Treatment

In the early stages it may not require treatment, only monitoring. As it progresses, medication that slows the progression and, later on, treatment of heart failure.

Prevention

Regular cardiac check-ups in predisposed breeds, especially the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

When should you see the vet?

See your vet if a murmur is detected or if your small, older dog coughs or tires easily. Echocardiography shows when to start treatment.

Consult a vet

WetAi guides you and takes you to the vet; it does not diagnose.

Notice: this information is for general guidance and educational purposes only. It does NOT replace diagnosis or treatment by a registered veterinary surgeon. If you notice any symptoms, always consult a professional. Wallapets accepts no responsibility for the use of this information without veterinary supervision.