Companion Animal Welfare

Dog Cardiac Disease Management: QoL Focus

Managing heart disease in dogs with quality of life as a central welfare goal.

Key Facts

Myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) is the most common cardiac disease in dogs, especially small breeds
Early treatment with pimobendan has been shown to delay the onset of heart failure in Stage B2 dogs
Cardiac dogs often maintain excellent QoL for years when medically managed appropriately
Palliative care focusing on comfort rather than cure is appropriate when disease is advanced

Welfare Considerations

Cardiac disease in dogs is manageable over long periods when appropriately treated and monitored. QoL rather than longevity alone should guide treatment intensity decisions, ensuring dogs with cardiac disease live comfortably rather than merely longer.

What You Can Do

Screen predisposed breeds with annual cardiac auscultation from 5 years old
Ask your vet about staged cardiac management using current ACVIM guidelines
Discuss palliative care options openly if your dog reaches advanced cardiac disease