What causes mitral valve disease? Because of the high pressure created when the left ventricle contracts and pumps blood out to the body, the mitral valve may begin to 'wear out' and leak over time. This is known as mitral valve insufficiency (MVI) or mitral regurgitation and is often associated with a heart murmur.
How long can a dog live with mitral valve regurgitation?
How long can a dogs live with mitral valve disease? 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.
What dog breeds are prone to mitral valve disease?
Small breed dogs are most commonly affected such as Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Miniature poodles, Shih Tzu, Maltese, Chihuahua, Cocker Spaniels, Miniature Schnauzers, Dachshunds, Whippets, and Pomeranians. This disease can also be seen in some larger breeds and mixed breed dogs.
What is the common cause of mitral valve problem?
The main cause of mitral valve stenosis is an infection called rheumatic fever, which is related to strep infections. Rheumatic fever — now rare in the United States, but still common in developing countries — can scar the mitral valve. Left untreated, mitral valve stenosis can lead to serious heart complications.
Can dogs live with mitral valve disease?
The rate of disease progression varies, but it most often takes years before clinical signs of CHF develop. After CHF develops, dogs are expected to continue to have an excellent quality of life with treatment, and most survive for an additional 12-18 months, although their survival time varies widely.
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