Clinical-imagistic correlations in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease

Abstract

Myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD; degenerative valvular disease, endocardiosis, chronic valvular disease) is one of the most common acquired cardiac disease of dogs (75-80% from the cardiac diseases), characterized by mitral valve insufficiency. Pathologically, it is characterized by myxomatous degeneration of leaflets which does not have a congenital aspect, and that can progress to prolapse of one or both leaflets toward the left atrium during systole, and severe heart failure. It seems that the diseases is age and breed dependent. In most of the cases, MMVD occurs in dogs older than 5-8 years old and progresses as the dogs get older. The most predispose breed is Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, followed by Poodle (miniature and toy), Bichon, Lhassa Apso, Shih Tzu, Miniature Schnauzer, Cocker Spaniel, Chihuahua, Fox Terrier, Beagle, Pekinese, Dachshund, Yorkshire Terrier and Boston Terrier. This study aims to correlate the clinical and paraclinical examinations with the changes found in the echocardiographic examination.