Mitral Valve Disease and Dogs

What is mitral valve disease?
It is a heart condition where the mitral valve (the valve on the left side of the heart) fails to function properly.

Who are most commonly affected?
Studies show that this disease are common in adult dogs or older dogs that are small to medium sized breeds. High prevalence of the disease were found in King Charles spaniel, Chihuahua, miniature poodle, miniature pinscher, terriers and miniature schnauzers.

What causes mitral valve disease in dogs?
This condition is caused by the accumulation of plaque in a dog's heart valve. Because the mitral valve is unable to function properly, blood is leaked back to the atrium (upper chamber) of the heart. As a result, the heart tries to pump harder to deliver blood to the atrium which can lead to congestive heart failure.

What are the symptoms of this condition?
Symptoms may not be obvious right away but as the condition worsens, a dog with this condition may have difficulty breathing and may experience frequent coughing. Clinical examinations on dogs may show heart murmur, a weak pulse and an increased heart rate.

How can this disease be prevented?
Although the exact cause of plaque accumulation cannot be specified, studies show that a dog's diet and physical activity plays a big role in preventing complications. Medical experts suspect that genetic predisposition is also a major factor in acquiring the disease.

What tests are needed to diagnose this condition?
A complete blood count(CBC), urinalysis, chest x-rays, electrocardiogram, and ultrasound heart examination are usually conducted to diagnose the problem. Regular check-up with your veterinary is a must since early detection can help improve your dog's condition.

What is the treatment for mitral valve disease?
As of yet, there is no cure for this disease. Although mitral valve replacement is done in humans, mitral valve surgery or mitral valve repair is not done in dogs. Presently, medications are available to help improve the dog's heart and alleviate some of its symptoms. A low sodium diet can also help prevent further complications.

Comments

DIY Projects for Dog Owners

Here are easy DIY projects you can make for your dogs: Quick Stitch Dog Bed See tutorial here . Make a dog rope toy from old dish towels. See tutorial here . Make a small dog sweater out of old socks. See the instructions here . Dog Treat: Roasted Squash and Peanut Butter Cookies See the recipe here .

What Dog Owners Should Know About Canine Distemper

Canine distemper is a serious viral disease that affects dogs worldwide. As a responsible pet owner, understanding this illness can help protect your furry friend and ensure prompt action if needed. Here’s everything you need to know about canine distemper, its symptoms, and how to support a dog diagnosed with this condition. What Is Canine Distemper? Canine distemper is caused by the canine distemper virus (CDV), a highly contagious pathogen related to the viruses causing measles and rinderpest. It primarily affects dogs but can also infect other animals, including ferrets, foxes, and raccoons. The virus spreads through: Direct contact with infected animals or their bodily fluids (saliva, urine, or blood). Airborne exposure from coughs or sneezes of infected animals. Shared items like food bowls or bedding. Young puppies and unvaccinated dogs are most at risk. Symptoms of Canine Distemper The symptoms of distemper can vary and often depend on the stage of the disease. Common sign...

How to Stop Your Dog from Pulling on the Leash

Notice how untrained dogs pull on the leash as their human helplessly tries to make them stop? Dog walking can be a lot of fun, but if your dog isn’t following your lead, it can be very strenuous and frustrating. How do you train a dog to walk properly and follow your lead? Here are the steps: Before putting on the leash, let your dog sit and stay * * . Dogs love to go out for walks and seeing you with that leash in your hand can make him ecstatic. Never put on that leash until he sits and stays. If you do, he’ll get used to jumping around and would never stay still as you put on the leash on his neck. If he continues to jump around, put the leash away and repeat the command “Sit”. Make sure that your dog understands that unless he does as told, he’s not going out for a walk. If he sits and stays, and waits for you to put on the leash, praise him, give him a pat and assure him that he’s done a good job. Walk him to the door. After putting on the leash, your dog may...

Dogs We Luv!

Search This Blog