Mitral valve disease in dogs
Degeneration of the heart's mitral valve lets blood leak backwards, straining the heart. It typically causes a murmur first, then coughing, breathlessness and eventually heart failure. It is the most common heart disease in small older dogs.
6 of the 155 breeds we track are commonly associated with Mitral valve disease, including Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Across these breeds median lifespans range from 9.3 to 14.0 years.
Mitral valve disease in dogs: quick facts
- Type
- cardiac condition
- Breeds affected
- 6 of the 155 breeds we track
- Severity (as scored)
- Major-welfare or life-threatening
Plain-English definitions of these terms are on the glossary. On the Breed Health Score, Mitral valve disease is weighted as a major-welfare or life-threatening condition, so breeds it commonly affects carry a larger hereditary-burden deduction. This describes how our data weights the condition, not a diagnosis.
Breeds commonly associated with Mitral valve disease (6), ranked by health score
Related cardiac conditions
Products that may help
General care products for dogs prone to Mitral valve disease. Browse on Amazon → Ad
Note. Breed associations are compiled from RVC VetCompass / AKC / PDSA and are indicative, not a diagnosis or veterinary advice. Browse all conditions or the breed directory.