Mitral valve disease generally affects small varieties such as dachshund, beagle and chihuahua. What is mitral valve disease? First let's define what the mitral valve is. There are four chambers in the heart, the upper chamber is called the atrium, and the lower chamber is called the ventricle. It is also divided into left and right. It is a valve located between the left atrium and the left ventricle of the heart.
For most dogs, especially small varieties such as Chihuahua, this mitral valve tires due to high pressure when the left ventricle contracts. This wear leads to small leakage and gradually becomes heavier with time.
The affected dogs may show several signs of early signs that include a decline in exercise tolerance, especially dyspnea or coughing difficulties during night or rest. These signs arise because fluid accumulates in the lungs. As the disease progresses, symptoms such as falsehood, weakness or collapse can occur due to abnormal cardiac rhythm.
It is diagnosed in many ways. The veterinarian will listen to noise, abnormal heart rhythm, and lung sound using a stethoscope. Noises ranging from soft to large, up to those of the horse test disease, the greatest at the apex of the region of the mitral valve. An electrocardiogram also called ECG or EKG is used for the diagnosis of mitral valve disease. An electrocardiogram is a measure of cardiac activity and determines heart rate in the presence of arrhythmia. Chest radiographs or X-rays can also be used to determine this disease. Dogs affected by this disease may exhibit X-rays with enlargement of the left atrium or without enlargement of the left ventricle. Pulmonary veins are also often expanded.
Is it curable? The owner of the related dog was able to ask this question. Due to today's technologies and advances in medicine, as long as it is not too late, more diseases may be appreciated. However, in dogs heart valves can not be replaced by surgery. However, drugs such as diuretics, nitroglycerin, digitalis, etc. help to improve the condition of the heart even if a leaked valve exists. Diuretics work to stimulate the kidneys to remove extra body fluids in the body. Nitroglycerin expands the vein of the whole body and promotes the contraction of the heart. On the other hand, digitalis improves cardiac function by regulating excess released hormone and strengthening each contraction of the heart. Limiting the salt content of Chihuahua's meal helps to prevent this disease. This method works by preventing excess liquid retention.
The important point to remember was that it affected Chihuahuas or showed signs of mitral valve disease should not be included in any breeding process to prevent the occurrence of this disease in your puppy.
