Key result
Mitral valve disease presentation and management differ substantially between small and large breed dogs.
Why the study?
Mitral valve disease occurs mainly in small breed dogs, but clinical findings and progression differ in larger breeds, requiring updated understanding and management.
Supports breed-specific evaluation of mitral valve disease in dogs; leaves open prospective validation of tailored therapies.
Mitral valve disease, MVD, occurs chiefly in small breed dogs. In large breeds this is an uncommon condition. Clinical findings and progression of the disease may be somewhat different in larger compared to smaller breeds. More rapid progression may occur due to factors which are mentioned in the article. Thoracic radiographs taken either conscious or under sedation are recommended in symptomatic dogs. A blood test to measure Pro BNP is available but its limitations should be recognised. Echocardiography is more useful in large breeds, mainly to differentiate from DCM. Therapy is highlighted. Pulmonary hypertension, a complication in a significant number of dogs with MVD, is discussed and its treatment outlined.
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Mike Stafford Johnson (2011) conducted a review in Mitral Valve Disease (Endocardiosis). Mitral valve disease presents differently in small versus large breed dogs, with specific diagnostic and therapeutic considerations including the management of secondary pulmonary hypertension.
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