Myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD), also called degenerative valve disease or endocardiosis, is the most common heart disease of dogs. The valve thickens and leaks slowly over years, so most affected dogs have a murmur long before, if ever, they develop heart failure.
Key facts
Valvular heart disease (MMVD) at a glance- Species and system: dog; cardiovascular (mitral valve, also the tricuspid valve in at least 30%).
- Frequency: about 75% of heart disease seen in North American practices; up to 85% of small-breed dogs have valve lesions by 13 years.
- Typical patient: older small-breed dog (under 20 kg); Cavalier King Charles Spaniels affected young; males about 1.5 times more often.
- Classic presentation: left apical systolic murmur in a dog without signs, later rising respiratory rate, dyspnea and cough from left-sided CHF.
- Staging: ACVIM 2019 stages A, B1, B2, C, D; pimobendan starts at B2.
- Not zoonotic, not reportable.
What's inside
14 sections in the full guide- Key facts
- How the NAVLE tests this
- Cause and pathophysiology
- Clinical signs
- Staging (ACVIM 2019)
- Diagnosis
- Differential diagnoses
- Treatment and management
- Complications
- Prevention, control and public health
- Prognosis
- Quick review
- Test yourself
- References
The full guide also has 6 tables, 3 figures, 3 self-test questions and 15 references, available to NAVLE members.
Read the full study guide
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