How Long Can dogs live with degenerative valve disease?
On average, the majority of dogs with asymptomatic CVD will live for many years (1-5 years or longer) without ever developing any clinical signs of heart failure.
How long can my dog live with a leaky heart valve?
PROGNOSIS: The prognosis depends on the severity of the disease which is determined by when it is identified. Many dogs identified early live for many years, while others with clinical signs may only live a few months. The diagnostic tests will not only give the diagnosis, but the staging of the disease for each dog.
How long dogs live with MVD?
Generally, the condition progresses slowly over the course of several years so that patients may remain asymptomatic long after development of a heart murmur. Once congestive heart failure develops, patients may live for 12-18 months with a good quality of life if appropriately medicated.
How do you treat mitral valve insufficiency in dogs?
Enalapril and benazepril are commonly used ACE-inhibitors in dogs. Diuretics. These are drugs that stimulate the kidneys to remove excess fluid from the body. Furosemide and spironolactone are the most commonly used diuretics in veterinary patients.
Will Vetmedin help my dog?
How can Vetmedin help? Vetmedin can relieve the symptoms of heart failure and help your dog have a more comfortable life. When used in asymptomatic MVD or DCM, it can extend the symptom free time, before the onset of heart failure and extend overall survival.
What can I feed my dog with mitral valve disease?
When a pet is in Stage B, Hill’s K/D or an equivalent diet is generally recommended. This is a prescription diet that can only be purchased at a veterinary hospital. Over the counter dog and cat foods contain much more sodium than is safe for a pet with heart disease.
Can a dog get sick from chronic degenerative valve disease?
This is typically called the preclinical stage of the disease (or Stage B1 and B2); that is, your dog is considered asymptomatic. Most dogs with asymptomatic CVD never get sick from CVD, but about 1/3 will eventually develop clinical signs or clues that you will notice (see list below).
What kind of degeneration does a dog have?
Approximately 60% of affected dogs have degeneration of the mitral valve, 30% have degeneration of both the tricuspid and mitral valves, and the remaining 10% have degeneration in the tricuspid valve only.
What to do if your dog has CVD?
If your dog has symptomatic CVD (heart failure), medications will be prescribed. These medications will be continued forever, although the doses and frequency of administration may change over time. Sometimes additional medications are required, while others are sometimes stopped.
What kind of dog has leaky valve disease?
This very common disease affects dogs usually after the age of 8 years. Small breed dogs are most commonly affected. Some of the breeds include Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Miniature poodles, Shih Tzu, Maltese, Chihuahua, Cocker Spaniels, Miniature Schnauzers, Dachshunds, Whippets, and Pomeranians.