Cardiac disease is among the leading welfare challenges in companion animals. Early detection and treatment significantly extend quality life expectancy for affected animals.
Companion animal cardiac welfare depends on early detection before heart failure develops and consistent medication management after diagnosis. Breed-specific screening programs for predisposed breeds identify disease before clinical signs allow earlier treatment initiation. The development of effective medications like pimobendan has transformed the welfare trajectory for dogs with mitral valve disease, extending quality life by months to years.