Mitral valve disease: medical and surgical update

摘要

Degenerative changes or endocardiosis of heart valves leading to valvular insufficiency is the most common cause of acquired heart disease in adult dogs. It has been reported that 20 to 25 percent of dogs 9 to 12 years old, and 30 to 35 percent of dogs over 13 years old have at least one degenerative heart valve. The mitral valve is affected most often.