mitral valve regurgitation?

weinyrhymer · Posted: Fri Oct 03, 2008 10:36 am Post subject: mitral valve regurgitation?

so I took Atlas to the cardiologist this week to see why he had a heart murmur. It's a grade 3, and apparently he has moderate to marked mitral valve regurgitation. She said the prognosis is variable, and that he could either get worse quickly, or continue to compensate.

Does anyone have any experience with this? I am pretty sure that I have been seeing some exercise fatigue over the past couple of months - I thought it was just the summer but am seeing it even now that the weather is cooling - but it's not terrible. I am generally optimistic, so would assume he'll do well for a while yet, but it does seem like it came on so suddenly (they didn't hear one in July, and then it was there in August) that maybe I really should be worried that he's worsening rapidly.

Anyway - would love any insight if anyone has any. I need to ask the vet my question too - of course, I forgot when I was there because I was a bit stressed out by the "could worsen rapidly part".

NenaGunther · Posted: Fri Oct 03, 2008 11:15 am Post subject:

I've read this about it...
Dogs often compensate well for years, despite mitral regurgitation (backflow). You can help by maintaining your dog at a healthy weight, and ensuring regular exercise and a good diet.

Is Atlas from a breeder? How old is he?

I would also look into holistic options, herbs, etc.

weinyrhymer · Posted: Fri Oct 03, 2008 11:52 am Post subject:

Thanks NenaGunther. Oh good .. that gives me hope.

He's 5 1/2 years old. He's definitely at a healthy weight (slightly under even - I'd actually like to get another 1-2 pounds on him but am having trouble doing so - he's on the raw diet) and does get lots of exercise. I don't plan to change either. I notice the fatigue more when he's off-leash, not when we're walking or running together.

He does get fish oil (my expensive lemon-flavored brand, lucky dog), and I was thinking I'd take him to his holistic vet to see what she recommends; I think CoQ10 is another one that's good for the heart.

He is from a breeder. I sent her a note with the news, though she's had a rough year so I hated to add to it. Sad

scrbear11 · Posted: Fri Oct 03, 2008 7:19 pm Post subject:

My Cairn had a 5/6 heart murmur- he has ventricular septal defect- there was a hole in the septum that separates the venticles of the heart. He declined very quickly, but he had other issues too and we never medicated him.

Did the cardiologist suggest medication or a special diet?

The biggest thing you'll find with heart murmurs 3/6 or greater are the excercise intolerance. Dooley had to be kept very quiet at all times. He was quickly tired after playing for just a few minutes. Toward the end of his life he only went outside to use the bathroom and spent the rest of his time sleeping. I regret now not insisting on him being started on a medication (benazapril for example) because I've seen more and more dogs react positively to medication.

weimdawgs · Posted: Fri Oct 03, 2008 8:13 pm Post subject:

I am so sorry to hear that Atlas has an issue. That is very scary. Find out as much as you can. And stay positive. Good vibes and healing thoughts to Atlas.

weinyrhymer · Posted: Fri Oct 03, 2008 11:52 pm Post subject:

thanks, weimdawgs. I gave myself a day to sniffle, then I moved on. So far, it seems to have worked. Smile

scrbear11: I appreciate the info! She said there is no need to change his diet or exercise yet, as long as the diet is healthy and low-sodium - which it is. I may, however, watch him during off-leash play. He definitely does not want to be kept quiet, though when he's running around off-leash, he seems to tire more quickly than he ever did before. Oh man .. I hope he doesn't start to fatigue really easily; he is my hiking partner and he loves the woods. Now I may cry. Sad

She also said that putting him on medication at this point would offer no benefit, but they will once he starts to show symptoms.

GailB · Posted: Sat Oct 04, 2008 4:57 pm Post subject:

Sorry you are going through this with Atlas....Scary stuff for sure...We are sending positive thoughts your way...

versatilek9s · Posted: Sat Oct 04, 2008 5:05 pm Post subject:

I'm sorry to hear this. Sad

Since it came on rather quickly, do they think it has an infectious cause?

Just a thought.

meredith