Myxomatous Degenerative Mitral Valve Disease: An Update

Abstract

Myxomatous degenerative mitral valve disease (MVD) is the most common cardiac disease in dogs.Pathological changes of MVD include thickened redundant leaflets causing improper coaptation of leaflets, resultingin mitral valve regurgitation. The etiology of this disease is currently unknown. Thus, no drugs or treatments areavailable to slow down the disease progression. This article was written to summarize an update of canine MVD concerning clinical approach, etiology, and treatment.