Left atrial tear due to MMVD in dogs
One of the rare complications of myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) is the rupture of the left atrial wall. To date, the author has seen two cases. Why and how does it occur? As MMVD progresses, the left atrium enlarges to accommodate the backflow of blood from the left ventricle. The pressure within the left […]
Understanding MMVD and treatments in layman’s terms
MMVD stands for Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease, also known as degenerative mitral valve disease. The exact cause of MMVD is still unknown, but we do know that it commonly affects small to medium breed dogs. Certain breeds, such as Cavalier King Charles spaniels, Dachshunds, and Chihuahuas, can develop MMVD at a younger age, suggesting a […]
V-clamp surgery training for MMVD
Great news for all dog owners in Malaysia! Our team underwent intensive training on mitral valve clamp surgery in China. This procedure involves minimally invasive surgery that doesn’t require a bypass machine or stopping the heart, aiming to reduce the severity of mitral regurgitation. After the surgery, the dogs may not require any cardiac medications. […]
Prevalence of heart failure among different common dog breeds
The graph below depicts the prevalence of heart failure due to MMVD among different dog breeds at Shinzō Clinic. Prevalence refers to the number of dogs within each breed examined by us that were found to succumb to heart failure. Breeds such as the miniature pinscher, chihuahua, and cavalier King Charles spaniel are the top […]
