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Cardiology

Identifying and treating heart disease in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

02 November 2023
Clinical
13 mins read
02 November 2023
Volume 14 · Issue 9
Figure 1. a) Echocardiography image showing a normal canine heart in a right parasternal long axis four chamber view. b) Echocardiography image showing a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel's heart at stage B2, in a right parasternal long axis four chamber view. Note the left-sided dilation and diseased mitral valve (arrowed)
Figure 1. a) Echocardiography image showing a normal canine heart in a right parasternal long axis four chamber view. b) Echocardiography image showing a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel's heart at stage B2, in a right parasternal long axis four chamber view. Note the left-sided dilation and diseased mitral valve (arrowed)

Abstract

Myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) is the most common acquired heart disease in dogs. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is predisposed to myxomatous mitral valve disease and overrepresented in epidemiological studies. They are high risk for an early onset of the disease, and it is more likely to progress. The exact cause is unknown, which makes early diagnosis and treatment crucial. A consensus statement has been produced by the American College of Veterinary Medicine which has classified myxomatous mitral valve disease into four different stages and provides guidance on diagnosis and treatment. While treatment is now recommended at the preclinical phase of myxomatous mitral valve disease, time to cardiac death from the onset of heart failure remains at approximately 11–12 months. However, myxomatous mitral valve disease is a variable disease, and not all dogs will progress to heart failure.

Myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) is the most prevalent acquired heart disease in dogs, accounting for between 75–80% of all cardiac disease (Buchanan, 1977; Mattin et al, 2015). Small dogs are predisposed to MMVD, but larger dogs can also be affected. Increased age is associated with higher risk, with reports of 100% of geriatric dogs diagnosed in predisposed breeds (Whitney, 1974; Chetboul et al 2004). Males are overrepresented in studies, but no statistical risks have been associated with sex (Mattin et al, 2015). Studies have repeatedly shown that the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (CKCS) has a particularly high incidence of MMVD, and an early onset of the disease, in many different countries, including France, Sweden, Denmark and the UK (Swift et al, 2017). CKCS are also at higher risk of the disease progressing (Mattin et al, 2019).

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Cardiology
myxomatous mitral valve disease
heart failure
diagnosis
treatment