Companion Animals

Mitral Valve Disease in Dogs: Welfare Through the Stages

Managing the most common heart disease in dogs through all stages to maintain quality of life.

Key Facts

Mitral valve disease affects over 90% of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels by age 10
The disease progresses through pre-clinical stages to congestive heart failure
Pimobendan extends the pre-clinical stage significantly — welfare benefit is substantial
Furosemide and other diuretics manage fluid accumulation in heart failure

Welfare Considerations

Mitral valve disease welfare management is a longitudinal challenge — from early detection through to end-stage heart failure. Welfare-focused management uses regular echocardiographic monitoring to detect progression, initiates pimobendan at the appropriate stage to delay heart failure, and manages heart failure with appropriate diuretics and additional medications. Quality of life scoring and honest end-of-life discussion are part of welfare-centred cardiac care.

What You Can Do

Screen Cavaliers and other predisposed breeds annually with echocardiography
Initiate pimobendan when criteria are met — it significantly delays welfare-compromising heart failure
Use quality of life scoring regularly in heart failure dogs — this guides escalation and end-of-life decisions