Stage B1 Mitral Valve Disease
Your pet has a leaking mitral valve, but this has not caused changes to the heart that would affect their current health and wellbeing or warrant medication.
Monitoring and Follow Up
Many patients will not progress into heart disease, but many will, and early recognition of changes allows intervention that can extend those pet’s lives. At a minimum, you pet should have a Veterinary exam and consult every six months. In most cases, a recheck echocardiogram is advised six months after initial diagnosis and any time clinical changes are suspected thereafter to assess for progression.
Signs of progression to watch for at home include exercise intolerance, inappetance, lethargy, and coughing. Monitoring your pet’s sleeping respiratory rate regularly is also advised, as this is highly sensitive for progressing disease – see the additional handout below for more info.
Mild sodium restriction may also be beneficial, particularly eliminating salt-rich human foods and treats. Purina CardioCare is an ideal diet for these pets and also contains fatty acids, proteins, and vitamins that benefit heart health.
Stage B2 Mitral Valve Disease
Your pet has significant changes to the heart due to a leaking mitral valve. While this is not currently affecting their overall health or making them feel poorly, it is likely to progress in the coming months or years. Fortunately, now that we know this there are things we can do to delay progression and extend their life.
Recommendations:
Pimobendan has been shown to significantly delay progression of heart disease in Stage B2 dogs. It is very safe and should be given from now on.
Mild sodium restriction is also beneficial, particularly eliminating salt-rich human foods and treats. Purina CardioCare is an ideal diet for these pets and also contains fatty acids, proteins, and vitamins that benefit heart health.
Monitoring and Follow-Up:
At a minimum, you pet should have a Veterinary exam and consult every six months. In most cases, a recheck echocardiogram is advised six months after initial diagnosis and any time clinical changes are suspected thereafter to assess for progression.
Signs of progression to watch for at home include exercise intolerance, inappetence, lethargy, and coughing. Monitoring your pet’s sleeping respiratory rate regularly is also advised, as this is highly sensitive for progressing disease – see the additional handout below for more info.