Health Condition

Mitral Valve Disease

Mitral valve disease is a degenerative cardiac condition affecting the mitral valve, leading to heart murmurs and, in advanced cases, congestive heart failure, especially in small and toy breeds.

Detailed Description

Mitral valve disease involves thickening and degeneration of the mitral valve leaflets, causing regurgitation of blood into the left atrium. Over time, this leads to cardiac enlargement and, eventually, heart failure. The disease is progressive and age-related.

Common Symptoms

Heart murmur
Coughing (especially at night)
Exercise intolerance
Labored breathing in advanced cases

Management Options

Medical management (ACE inhibitors, pimobendan, diuretics)
Monitoring
Lifestyle adjustments

Frequently Asked Questions

Is mitral valve disease curable?

No, but it can be managed for years with medication.

How often should my Affenpinscher be screened?

Annually from age 7 onward, or earlier if symptoms develop.

What are the first signs?

Heart murmur, cough, exercise intolerance.

Can it be prevented?

Not entirely, but breeding from unaffected lines may reduce risk.

Is it painful?

Not directly, but advanced cases can cause distress due to fluid buildup.

Condition Details

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Typical Age of Onset

7 years and older

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Testing Available

Yes

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Diagnosing Methods

Physical exam (auscultation); Echocardiogram; Thoracic radiographs

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Preventative Measures

Regular cardiac screening in older dogs; Breeding only from dogs with no early-onset murmurs

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Related Conditions

Tricuspid valve disease, Congenital heart defects

Affected Breeds

Affenpinscher

Severity: 4/5

Affenpinschers are at higher risk for mitral valve disease compared to large breeds, similar to other toy breeds.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Prevalence: 50% Severity: 5/5

CKCS have the highest prevalence and earliest onset of MVD among all breeds, with nearly all affected by age 10.

Chihuahua

Prevalence: 12.5% Severity: 4/5

Chihuahuas are at increased risk compared to the general canine population, with prevalence rising sharply with age.

English Toy Spaniel

Prevalence: 63% Severity: 4/5

English Toy Spaniels have a significantly higher prevalence and earlier onset of mitral valve disease compared to most breeds.

Havanese

Prevalence: 10% Severity: 4/5

Mitral valve disease is common in older Havanese, with a risk similar to or slightly higher than other toy breeds. Coughing at night or after exercise in older dogs is an early sign.

Japanese Chin

Prevalence: 25% Severity: 3/5

Japanese Chin have a higher prevalence of MVD compared to the general canine population, similar to other toy breeds. Early murmurs may be detected before clinical signs appear.

Maltese

Prevalence: 35% Severity: 4/5

Maltese have a higher risk than average for mitral valve disease among small breeds, with earlier onset and more rapid progression possible.

Norfolk Terrier

Prevalence: 12.5% Severity: 4/5

Norfolk Terriers are at higher-than-average risk among small breeds, with a prevalence of 10–15% in dogs over 7 years old.

Teddy Roosevelt Terrier

Prevalence: 3% Severity: 3/5

Mitral valve disease occurs in older Teddy Roosevelt Terriers at a rate similar to other small breeds. Early detection and management are important for quality of life.

Whippet

Prevalence: 20% Severity: 4/5

Whippets are predisposed to earlier onset and more rapid progression of mitral valve disease compared to many other breeds.

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