Evolution of Degenerative Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease in a Canine Fox Terrier: A Case Report

Abstract

Degenerative mitral valve disease DMVD consists of progressive degeneration of the mitral valve that can occur either in isolation or in association with the tricuspid valve leading to incomplete coaptation of its leaflets and subsequent valve regurgitation It s the most common cardiac condition in small animals accounting for about 75 of cases of heart disease in dogs mainly affecting elderly small-breed dogs Breeds with a genetic predisposition such as Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Bull Terriers tend to develop the disease early It can be classified into four stages A B C and D with B having subdivisions B1 and B2 Animals in stages A B1 and B2 are asymptomatic showing clinical signs only from stage C onwards The report details the case of a 13-year-old Fox Terrier diagnosed at stage B2 of the disease progressing to stage C within two years a cardiologist conducted annual monitoring