Simplifying mitral valve disease diagnostics

Abstract

Myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) in dogs is a slowly progressive disease. Until recently, focus was aimed at the symptomatic phase of the disease, when congestive heart failure (CHF) develops. However, since the publication of the EPIC trial, which showed that treatment with pimobendan delays the onset of CHF, the focus has now shifted onto the early diagnosis of MMVD. This article considers the tests necessary to diagnose MMVD and aims to provide vets with the knowledge and tools to undertake these successfully.