Myxomatous mitral valve disease in a canine
Case report
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31533/pubvet.v19n09e1840Keywords:
Veterinary cardiology, clinical medicine, treatment, disease stagingAbstract
Mitral valve endocardiosis is the most commonly acquired heart disease in dogs, characterized by myxomatous degeneration of the mitral valve, leading to chronic mitral regurgitation, volume overload and, in more advanced stages, congestive heart failure. Given its high prevalence and clinical impact on geriatric patients, this study aimed to report a case of endocardiosis in an elderly dog, correlating clinical, laboratory and echocardiographic findings, as well as disease classification and therapeutic response to the established treatment protocol. A 14-year-old, 5.6 kg male mixed-breed dog was presented with a dry nocturnal cough, cyanosis, dyspnea, and exercise intolerance. Physical examination revealed a grade IV systolic murmur at the mitral focus, a cardiac thrill, and cyanotic mucous membranes. Echocardiography showed thickening of the mitral valve with leaflet prolapse, left atrial enlargement, diastolic dysfunction, and preserved systolic function, confirming the diagnosis of mitral endocardiosis with hemodynamic compromise. The patient was classified as stage C, according to the ACVIM guidelines. Initial treatment included furosemide, butorphanol, oxygen therapy and pimobendan, followed by maintenance therapy with pimobendan, torasemide, and omega-3 supplementation. Laboratory tests revealed findings consistent with heart failure, such as elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN), hypertriglyceridemia and mild hemoconcentration. The combination of clinical, laboratory and echocardiographic findings was consistent with the systemic and progressive effects of stage C degenerative mitral valve disease. The clinical response to treatment was satisfactory, with regression of respiratory symptoms, stabilization of the condition, and improved exercise tolerance. In conclusion, early recognition of clinical signs and appropriate disease staging are essential in selecting effective treatment strategies. Clinical management based on current guidelines proved effective in symptom control, contributing to the preservation of quality of life in geriatric cardiac patients.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Késia Gama de Jesus Brito, Nathalia de Mariz Cartaxo, Marcelo Dourado da Silva, Lorrany Rodrigues Pinto, Cícera Fernanda Dias da Conceição, Cândido Queiroz Oliveira das Chagas, Jamille Amarante Mota, Beatriz Limoeiro Dias, Rodrigo Lima Carneiro
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