Asymptomatic Canine Degenerative Valve Disease

Asymptomatic mature dogs with systolic heart murmurs characteristic of mitral regurgitation should undergo diagnostics to determine the presence or absence of heart enlargement and to document that the dog is normotensive.Treatment is not recommended in dogs with stage B1 degenerative valve disease (asymptomatic with normal heart size); this recommendation remains unchanged by new evidence.Treatment with pimobendan has been shown to extend symptom-free and overall survival of dogs with stage B2 degenerative valve disease (asymptomatic with heart enlargement).Scheduled follow-up and client communication regarding monitoring for the development of clinical signs associated with disease progression remains a cornerstone of management in all stages of degenerative valve disease.Left mainstem bronchial compression and pulmonary hypertension represent common sequelae of degenerative valve disease that can lead to the development of clinical signs requiring therapy before the onset of congestive heart failure.