Degenerative Valve Disease (Mitral Valve Disease) Fact Sheet

What happens?

A degenerate valve becomes a leaky valve. Valves in the heart exist to ensure that flow occurs in only one way from the atria to the ventricles and from the ventricles to the lungs (right side) and the rest of the body (left side). A valve that leaks will lead to a certain amount of blood flowing back into the previous chamber – regurgitation – and the heart will have to cope with more blood in successive beats.

Mitral regurgitation

As a result of the surplus of blood in the left atrium caused by regurgitation, the left atrium will be forced to enlarge and the left ventricle will also have to become larger and pump more blood to compensate for the blood “loss” by regurgitation.

The heart may be able to cope well with the extra work for a long time up to the point where the pressure in the left atrium is so high that blood accumulates in the blood vessels of the lung – congestion – and fluid leaks into the lungs – congestive heart failure with pulmonary edema.

Severity?

This is a chronic and progressive condition but not all affected dogs go on to develop heart failure. Some may live all their lives without ever showing any signs of disease. A classification exists to illustrate disease severity and patients may progress from one stage to the following throughout their lives:

Stage A – Predisposed breeds (see below) currently without any sign of disease

Stage B1 – Disease is present without signs of heart enlargement nor heart failure

Stage B2 – Disease is present with signs of heart enlargement but no heart failure

Stage C1 – Congestive heart failure in need of hospitalization

Stage C2 – Current or past signs of congestive heart failure on treatment at home

Stage D1 – Refractory heart failure in need of hospitalization

Stage D2 – Refractory heart failure treated at home

Predisposed breeds

MVD most commonly affects small breed dogs, although a few large breed dogs occasionally present with this disease (i.e. German Shepherd). Prevalence increases with age with most of the dogs being over 5 years of age at the time of diagnosis. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are an exception in which the disease may be detected at a younger age.

• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
• Toy and miniature poodles
• Pomeranian
• Chihuahua
• Miniature Schnauzer
• Pekingese
• Dachshund
• Shih-Tzu
• Cocker Spaniel

Treatment

Unfortunately a cure does not exist for this condition. A combination of drugs is used to control signs of congestive heart failure and prolong life with the best quality of life possible.

Treatment might include a combination of:

• A diuretic (i.e. furosemide or torasemide) – to excrete the excess fluids in the body and treat congestive heart failure.
• ACE inhibitor (i.e. benazepril) – to counteract fluid retention by the kidneys and dilate the blood vessels and lessen the load on the heart
• Pimobendan – to improve heart muscle strength and dilate the blood vessels and lessen the load on the heart. This is started at stage B2 of the disease.
• Spironolactone – to further excrete fluids and counteract heart muscle fibrosis
• Digoxin and others…

Therapy is lifelong and drugs/dosages are adjusted over time according to disease progression and kidney function among other factors

Monitoring

It is important to remember that this is a chronic progressive disease that will worsen with time. Although appropriate treatment is effective in controlling signs of congestive heart failure and delaying it’s onset, it may not be sufficient to prevent it! It is of the utmost importance that regular re-examinations be performed (usually 3-12 months after congestive heart failure is resolved).

What will happen during a re-examination ?

At each visit you will be asked a number of questions to assess how your dog is coping with treatment and with the condition. After being examined, blood pressure will be measured and an echocardiographic examination (ultrasound) and chest x-rays will normally be repeated. Some blood tests will be essential to assess how the kidneys are coping with treatment and disease and also to provide further important information to consider for possible or necessary treatment adjustments.

Monitoring at home

An easy and reliable way to monitor for signs of heart failure (fluid in the lungs or chest) is to monitor the breathing rate at home during sleep. Count the number of breaths in 15 seconds and multiply by 4. Values above 30 suggest the presence of heart failure.

Treatment adjustments

After any treatment adjustments a brief re-check at your vet may be necessary. The same blood tests will be repeated to assess the kidneys’ response to therapy, blood pressure and eventually chest radiographs in case the goal is to assess resolution or improvement of congestive heart failure. Usually this is performed 5-10 days after the initial examination.

What will happen with time?

Although a proportion of dogs will eventually succumb to this disease, many will live relatively normal lives and pass away from other causes if the disease is appropriately treated. Some dogs will never show any clinical signs even in old age. Given these facts, this disease is often considered a benign condition.

What might go wrong?

Congestive heart failure

At any time, even with appropriate treatment, an episode of congestive heart failure may occur, typically characterised by labored breathing, coughing, exercise intolerance and fatigue. These episodes are usually treatable but it is essential that you seek veterinary care immediately if you recognise these signs, since without proper management death will occur, sometimes quickly, sometimes after a few days.

Chorda tendinea rupture

The mitral valve leaflets are supported by a number of chords – chordae tendineae – similar to the spindles supporting an umbrella. These chords also degenerate and may rupture at any time. If this occurs, the “hole” in the valve will suddenly become much larger and the amount of blood regurgitating into the atrium may increase dramatically. The heart will no longer be able to cope with this and fulminant congestive heart failure and even death may occur. This may occur more readily during periods of fear or excitement.

Left atrial rupture (very rare)

In extreme cases, the left atrium becomes so large and the walls become so thin and fragile that it may rupture. Fortunately this happens rarely but when it does happen, most dogs will die suddenly from significant internal haemorrhage and heart failure. This may occur more readily during periods of fear or excitement.