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Degenerative Mitral Valve Disease (view source)
Revision as of 22:59, 15 November 2010
, 22:59, 15 November 2010no edit summary
{{Review}}
{{Review}}
Also known as: '''''MVD — Mitral Valve Disease — Mitral insufficiency — Mitral endocardiosis — Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease (MMVD)'''''
Also known as: '''''MVD''''', ''''Mitral Valve Disease'''', '''''Mitral insufficiency''''', '''''Mitral endocardiosis''''', '''''Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease (MMVD)'''''
==Introduction==
==Introduction==
[[Image:AV valve dysplasia cat.jpg|right|thumb|200px|<small><center>'''Mitral dyplasia'''. Courtesy of A. Jefferies</center></small>]]
[[Image:AV valve dysplasia cat.jpg|right|thumb|200px|<small><center>'''Mitral dyplasia'''. Courtesy of A. Jefferies</center></small>]]
Mitral valve dysplasia is a congenital malformation or degeneration of the mitral valve leaflets and its supporting structures (chordae tendinae, papillary muscles, valvular leaflets, annulus) resulting in valvular regurgitation (insufficiency). It is common in dogs and cats and rare in other species.
Chronic mitral regurgitation leads to volume overload of the left heart, which results in dilatation (eccentric hypertrophy) of the left ventricle and atrium. When mitral regurgitation is severe, cardiac output decreases, which results in signs of left sided cardiac failure (LCHF) and pulmonary venous congestion. Dilatation of the left-sided chambers predisposes affected animals to [[:Category:Arrhythmias|arrhythmias]]. In some cases, malformation of the mitral valve complex causes a degree of valvular stenosis as well as insufficiency.
In advanced cases, signs of right sided congestive heart failure may follow due to an increased pressure load on the right ventricle as a result of long standing pulmonary congestion.
In advanced cases, signs of right sided congestive heart failure may follow due to an increased pressure load on the right ventricle as a result of long standing pulmonary congestion.
==Signalment==
Typically in middle aged to older small breed dogs. Genetically predisposed breeds include Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Bull Terriers, German Shepherds, and Great Danes.
==Diagnosis==
==Diagnosis==