Surgery to replace the mitral valve (valve replacement) is not performed in dogs due to a high rate of complications. Instead of a valve replacement, a valve repair is performed. This consists of replacing any ruptured or stretched chords with artificial chords made from GoreTex, Figure 3.
How much is a heart valve replacement for a dog?
By the time they are 10 years old, many small dogs will develop mitral valve disease, a deadly condition where a heart valve leaks. So far, the only curative treatment is a surgery that costs approximately $30,000, with only a couple teams of veterinary surgeons able to perform it with a high success rate.
How long can a dog live with a leaking heart valve?
The majority of dogs with asymptomatic CVD will live 2 to 5 years or longer, without ever developing any clinical signs of heart failure. After diagnosis if heart failure, with appropriate treatment and frequent monitoring, dogs can live 1 to 2 years.
How do you fix a leaky heart valve in dogs?
Enalapril and benazepril are commonly used ACE-inhibitors in dogs. Diuretics. These are drugs that stimulate the kidneys to remove excess fluid from the body. Furosemide and spironolactone are the most commonly used diuretics in veterinary patients.
Can dogs have heart surgery?
Open heart surgery can be considered for a variety of congenital heart defects in dogs including atrial septal defect, ventricular septal defect, pulmonic stenosis, double-chambered right ventricle, tetralogy of Fallot and some patients with subaortic stenosis.
More useful articles on a similar topic 👇
How much does it cost to replace a heart valve?How long can a dog live with heart valve disease?
