Comparison of systolic blood pressure between normal and asymptomatic degenerative mitral valve diseased in small breed dogs

Abstract

Degenerative mitral valve disease (DMVD) is the major cause of mitral valve regurgitation and heart failure in dogs. The regurgitation of mitral valve may affect blood pressure without clinical presentation. The aims of this study were to compare the systolic blood pressure between normal dogs and dogs affected with asymptomatic DMVD (class B ACVIM classification) and to determine the relationship between echocardiographic values and blood pressure levels. The systolic blood pressure of small breed dogs, weighing less than 10 kilogram, that were normal (n=22) and newly diagnosed with DMVD (n=21) was measured. The average of systolic blood pressure determined by Doppler ultrasonic device and Oscillometer of dogs in the DMVD group was higher than that of the normal group. Three DMVD dogs had systolic blood pressure higher than 160 mmHg. The echocardiographic values did not correlate with blood pressure. In conclusion, blood pressure of asymptomatic DMVD dogs is maintained. Some diseased dogs may have systolic blood pressure higher than normal limit.