Mitral Stenosis
Heart valve disease is a condition in which one or more of the heart valves don't work properly. The heart has four valves: the tricuspid, pulmonary, mitral, and aortic valves. These valves have tissue flaps that open and close with each heartbeat. The flaps make sure blood flows in the right direction through the heart's four chambers and to the rest of the body.
Mitral valve stenosis is a narrowing of the mitral valve opening caused by abnormalities of the mitral valve. This obstructs blood inflow to the left ventricle. The defect is rare in dogs and is most often seen in the Bulldog, Chihuahua, Great Danes, Keeshond, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. It can occur together with other congenital defects such as subaortic stenosis, mitral valve dysplasia, and pulmonic stenosis.
Birth defects, age-related changes, infections, or other conditions can cause one or more of the heart valves to not open fully or to let blood leak back into the heart chambers. This can make the heart work harder and affect its ability to pump blood.
Mitral stenosis results in enlargement of the left atrium and an increase in blood pressure within the veins of the lungs. Fluid in the lungs can develop as a consequence.
SIGNS
Loss of consciousness due to lack of blood flow to the brain occurs in some dogs with these defects.
TREATMENT
Dogs with mitral stenosis may be prescribe diuretics (to help eliminate fluid buildup) and put on a low-salt diet. Diuretic use need to be carefully monitored by a veterinarian because it can cause excessive urine output, which may severely reduce blood flow from the heart. Surgery and other treatments are rarely performed because they involve both considerable risk for the animal and high cost.
Go Pets America recommends seeking the advice of your local veterinarian for the most appropriate vaccination program and for the diagnosis and treatment of your pet's health problems. For vaccination requirements please contact your state and local licensing authorities.
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