Companion Animals

Dog Congenital Heart Disease Welfare

Congenital heart conditions including mitral valve disease affect millions of dogs. Early detection and management significantly extend quality life for affected animals.

Key Facts

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have the highest prevalence of mitral valve disease of any breed
Mitral valve disease affects approximately 10% of dogs in general and up to 90% of aged Cavaliers
ACE inhibitors and diuretics extend quality of life significantly in symptomatic cardiac disease
The EPIC trial established that pimobendan delays onset of clinical signs in pre-clinical heart disease
Annual cardiac auscultation by veterinarians detects murmurs before clinical signs develop

Welfare Considerations

Congenital heart disease welfare management is transformed by medication that delays the progression from pre-clinical detection to symptomatic disease. Early detection through annual auscultation enables treatment initiation at the optimal time point, extending quality of life and preventing the welfare decline of unmanaged progressive heart failure.

What You Can Do

Schedule annual cardiac auscultation for breeds predisposed to mitral valve disease
Start pimobendan when recommended by your veterinary cardiologist for pre-clinical disease
Monitor for respiratory signs indicating progression to clinical heart failure requiring medication adjustment
Support breeding screening programs that test and score cardiac status before breeding decisions