mitral valve regurgitation - cardiology northwest · 2019-01-14 · this leak is referred to as...

Each chamber of the heart has a one-way valve to keep blood from flowing backward The valve between the left atrium and left ventricle is called the mitral valve Commonly in older dogs the edges of the valve leaflets thicken become knobby and do not close completely This process is called Endocardiosis This results in blood leaking backwards from the ventricle into the atrium every time the heart contracts This leak is referred to as mitral valve regurgitation Its cause is unknown These changes result in enlargement of the left atrium secondary to chronic regurgitation Prognosis is quite variable with some dogs worsening rapidly and others remaining compensated for the rest of their lives The main risk of Mitral Regurgitation is congestive heart failure which often causes congestion and fluid in the lungs The result is respiratory symptoms such as increased respiratory rate coughing and labored breathing Mitral Regurgitation cannot be cured and it is progressive but it can usually be reasonably controlled with medication Regular re-examinations and good home monitoring are the keys to success in managing Mitral Regurgitation

To the Front of the

Body

Aorta Aorta

To the Front of the

Body (Reduced)

From the Back of the

Body

To the Back of the Body

To the Lungs To the Lungs

From the Back of the Body (Reduced)

From the Back of the

Body

Left Atrium Left

Atrium Right

Right Ventricle

Right Ventricle

Left Ventricle Left

Ventricle

Mitral Valve Regurgitation

Right Atrium

From the Front of the

Body

Blood Flows Back

Mitral Valve Does Not Close

Properly Mitral Valve

Functions Normally

Healthy Heart Chronic Valvular Disease

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