A puppy on a wooden floor with a small, plush heart

Chronic Valvular Heart Disease in Dogs

Overview of Caine Valvular Heart Disease (VHD)

Valvular heart disease (VHD) is a condition characterized by degeneration and thickening of the heart valves. Valvular heart disease is very common and represents the most important of adult canine heart diseases.

Valvular heart disease is a progressive disease that is common in older dogs. Commonly affected dogs include poodles, Yorkshire terriers, schnauzers, cocker spaniels and small mixed-breeds. Some breeds, such as Cavalier King Charles spaniels, can be affected early in life.

VHD can affect a dog causing valve malfunction, which can lead to heart enlargement or heart failure with accumulation of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema) or the abdomen (ascites).

What to Watch For

Signs of Chronic Valvular Heart Disease in dogs may include:

Diagnosis of Chronic Valvular Heart Disease in Dogs

Veterinary care should include diagnostic tests and subsequent treatment recommendations. Diagnostic tests are needed to recognize VHD, and exclude other diseases, including:

Treatment of Chronic Valvular Heart Disease in Dogs

Treatments for VHD may include one or more of the following:

Home Care and Prevention

Administer any prescribed medications and observe your pet’s general activity level, appetite and interest. Watch your dog for labored breathing, cough or intolerance. If possible, learn to take a respiratory (breathing) rate when your dog is resting (ask your vet about this).

VHD is often a progressive disease and cannot be prevented. Regular veterinary examinations that include examination of the heart with a stethoscope can identify it in its earliest stages.

In-depth Information on Canine Chronic Valvular Heart Disease

Chronic valvular heart disease is the most important heart disease in dogs. Many breeds are affected, especially smaller breeds. Most aged dogs have some degree of valvular degeneration (called endocardiosis), however, only those with substantial valve disease develop heart symptoms. This condition is a degenerative condition, probably predisposed by genetic factors. It is not caused by an infection or related to bad teeth (though this is a common misconception).

The essential valvular abnormalities are either increased “floppiness” of the mitral valve in the heart, or more often, shortening and thickening of this valve. The tricuspid heart valve is also affected in some dogs. The degeneration causes the valves to close improperly. Leaking of the valve causes blood to move backwards creating a heart murmur and limiting the amount of blood that can be pumped to the body. Severe leaking can occur when one or more of the fine strands that support the valve (the chordae tendineae) rupture.

A percentage of dogs with chronic mitral disease develop a condition called pulmonary hypertension, which is high blood pressure in the arteries of the lung. These dogs often develop fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity and are prone to bouts of weakness or fainting.

The consequence of moderate to severe valvular heart disease is typically congestive heart failure. The symptoms of heart failure include exercise intolerance, breathing difficulties or coughing and obvious fluid accumulation in the chest cavity or the abdomen.

Mild cases of chronic valvular disease do not limit the dog, but severe cases cause heart failure and can be lethal.

Other medical problems can lead to symptoms similar to those encountered in valvular heart disease. It is important to exclude these conditions before establishing a definite diagnosis:

Veterinary care should include diagnostic tests and subsequent treatment recommendations.

Diagnosis In-depth of Chronic Valvular Heart Disease in Dogs

Diagnostic tests may be needed to recognize chronic valvular heart disease and exclude all other diseases, including:

Treatment In-depth of Chronic Valvular Heart Disease in Dogs

Treatment for chronic valvular heart disease may include one or more of the following:

Follow-up care for Dogs with Chronic Valvular Heart Disease

Optimal treatment for your dog requires a combination of home and professional veterinary care. Follow-up can be critical. Administer prescribed medications as directed, and be certain to contact your veterinarian if you are experiencing problems treating your pet. Remember: Inability to medicate is a common reason for treatment failure. Follow-up veterinary care for valvular heart disease often includes the following recommendations: