Clinical and Echocardiographic Findings in an Aged Population of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

Abstract

Myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) is the most common cardiac disease in dogs. It varies from dogs without clinical signs to those developing left-sided congestive heart failure, leading to death. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCSs) are particularly susceptible to MMVD. We hypothesised that within the elderly CKCS population, there is a sub-cohort of MMVD-affected dogs that do not have cardiac remodelling. The objectives of the present study were (i) to determine the prevalence and the degree of cardiac remodelling associated with MMVD; and (ii) assess the effect of age, gender, and body weight on echocardiographic status in a population of aged CKCSs. A total of 126 CKCSs ≥ 8 years old were prospectively included. They all had a physical and echocardiographic examination. A systolic murmur was detected in 89% of dogs; the presence of clinical signs was reported in 19% of them; and echocardiographic evidence of MMVD was described in 100%. Despite the high prevalence, 44.4% of the dogs were clear of echocardiographic signs of cardiac remodelling. Age was significantly associated with the presence and severity of cardiac remodelling and mitral valve prolapse. Our results showed that a proportion of elderly CKCS with confirmed MMVD did not undergo advanced stages of this pathology.

Retrospective evaluation of the utility of shock index to determine the presence of congestive heart failure in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (2019–2021): 98 cases

“…PH is a common finding in dogs with MMVD, and its prevalence has been shown to increase with disease stage and to be associated with worse outcome. [32][33][34][35] Nineteen dogs (19%) in our study had PH, which is comparable to proportions found in other studies. 32,35 PH associated with MMVD can contribute to low output failure and systemic hypotension, if right ventricular systolic function is unable to compensate for the increased afterload, potentially affecting SI.…”

“…[32][33][34][35] Nineteen dogs (19%) in our study had PH, which is comparable to proportions found in other studies. 32,35 PH associated with MMVD can contribute to low output failure and systemic hypotension, if right ventricular systolic function is unable to compensate for the increased afterload, potentially affecting SI. 36 The retrospective design in addition to a relatively small population of dogs are inherent limitations of the current study.…”

“…PH is a common finding in dogs with MMVD, and its prevalence has been shown to increase with disease stage and to be associated with worse outcome 32–35 . Nineteen dogs (19%) in our study had PH, which is comparable to proportions found in other studies 32,35 .…”