Myxomatous mitral valve disease(MMVD)
Also known as: Mitralendokardiose · Mitralklappeninsuffizienz · Endocardiosis · Chronic Degenerative Valvular Disease · CDVD · …
Overview
What it is
Myxomatous valve degeneration is a chronic heart disease where the heart valves, most commonly the mitral valve, gradually thicken and lose their normal shape. This structural change prevents the valves from closing tightly, causing blood to leak backward through the heart chambers. Over time, this backflow forces the heart to work much harder, eventually leading to congestive heart failure.
How it presents
While a veterinarian might first detect a heart murmur during a routine exam, owners typically notice symptoms like coughing, quick tiring during exercise, or heavy breathing as the dog reaches middle to senior age.
Treatment
Although the disease is not curable, it can be managed with lifelong daily medications and regular veterinary heart scans. Lifetime treatment and monitoring costs typically range from 1,500 to 8,000 EUR depending on the disease progression.
How it's tested
Herzultraschall (Echokardiographie)(Herz-Echo)
Primary testCardiac examEchokardiographie zur Beurteilung von Herzklappen, -wänden, -funktion. Pflicht z.B. bei Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (MMVD).
Issuing body: vet
Result scheme: Cardiac-OFA
Echokardiographie mit Doppler-Sonographie(Echokardiographie)
Primary testCardiac examDie Diagnose und Graduierung der Mitralklappenendokardiose erfolgt mittels einer echokardiographischen Untersuchung (Herzultraschall) inklusive Farbdoppler durch einen spezialisierten Kardiologen.
Issuing body: vet
Result scheme: Cardiac-OFA
Affected breeds
Treatment cost
Estimated range of typical treatment cost. Actual cost depends on severity, clinic and region.
Frequently asked
What is Myxomatous mitral valve disease?
Myxomatous valve degeneration is a chronic heart disease where the heart valves, most commonly the mitral valve, gradually thicken and lose their normal shape. This structural change prevents the valves from closing tightly, causing blood to leak backward through the heart chambers. Over time, this backflow forces the heart to work much harder, eventually leading to congestive heart failure.
How is Myxomatous mitral valve disease tested?
Tests currently in our database: Herzultraschall (Echokardiographie), Echokardiographie mit Doppler-Sonographie.
Which breeds are most affected?
Most commonly affected: Hairless Chihuahua, Malchi (Maltese x Chihuahua), Russkiy Toy (Shorthair), Volpino Italiano.