What is Chronic Degenerative Valve Disease?
Chronic degenerative valve disease (CVD) is a slowly progressive degeneration of the heart's mitral valve. The condition is characterized by abnormal, backward-flowing blood through the valve, called regurgitation. This abnormal flow causes a heart murmur, which can be detected by your veterinarian with the use of a stethoscope.
Over time, the leaking and thickening of the valve leads to heart enlargement and the weakening of the heart muscle. When the heart can no longer accommodate the abnormal blood flow, congestive heart failure develops and can cause coughing and breathing difficulties.
How many heart valves does a dog have?
The heart is divided into right and left sides and is responsible for pumping blood to and from all tissues of the body. The right side of the heart pumps oxygen-deficient blood through the lungs, where it is re-oxygenated and carbon dioxide waste is removed. The re-oxygenated blood then enters the left side of the heart where it is pumped out to the body through the aorta and other arteries.
Each side of the heart has two chambers, an upper atrium and a lower ventricle, and two valves, the tricuspid on the right and the mitral on the left. These valves act as one-way gates that allow blood to flow from the upper atrium to the lower ventricle. They prevent blood from flowing backward into the atrium when the ventricle pumps.
What causes heart valve problems in dogs?
Chronic degenerative valve disease most often affects small-breed dogs and is associated with aging. Up to 75% of small-breed dogs show evidence of CVD by seven years of age. Certain breeds, such as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and dachshund can be predisposed to this disease.
Large-breed dogs are less prone to develop this condition.
What are the symptoms of a dog with heart problems?
Several symptoms may present in a dog with chronic degenerative valve disease, however, these symptoms can also occur with other diseases. It is important to notify your vet if you notice any of these symptoms so that your dog can be assessed and the underlying cause can be determined.
Not every dog will develop all the following symptoms, and many dogs will have more than one.
- Rapid and shallow breathing when resting or sleeping
- Restlessness or agitation while sleeping
- Changes in your dog's preferred sleep position
- Coughing or gagging
- Decreased appetite
- Weight loss
- A lethargic or depressed attitude
- Reduced ability to exercise
- Collapse or fainting
- Distended belly
What is the treatment for chronic degenerative valve disease in dogs?
In the asymptomatic stages, when the heart is not enlarged and blood pressure is normal, medication is not required.
If heart enlargement and/or high blood pressure is detected, medications may be prescribed to treat heart failure. These medications will be continued throughout your dog's life, although the doses and frequency of administration may change over time.
As the disease progresses, the goal will be to help your pet maintain a good quality of life and to keep your pet out of heart failure, without harming the kidneys.
How long can a dog 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 a diagnosis of heart failure, dogs can live 1 to 2 years provided that they receive appropriate treatment and frequent monitoring. Your veterinarian will work with you to manage your pet's treatment and may make adjustments to the medication periodically to help maintain your dog’s quality of life.
Where should I take my dog for treatment?
Primary care veterinarians are skilled in treating a wide range of conditions in dogs, but when advanced diagnostics or treatment is required your veterinarian may refer your pet to a board-certified veterinary specialist for care.
At Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island, our cardiology department is led by Joshua A. Morgenstern, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology). Dr. Morgenstern is one of less than 200 practicing board-certified veterinary cardiologists in the world and specializes in the care of pets with various forms of heart disease.
Our veterinary specialists work hand in hand with your primary care veterinarian to ensure that your four-legged family member receives the very best medical care.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.
Contact our Long Island veterinary team to learn more about the advanced veterinary care offered at Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island.