| Summary: | The myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) is the most common cardiac condition in dogs, being the leading cause of congestive heart failure that precede the cardiac related death or euthanasia. It is a disease mostly frequent in small to median breed dogs (under 20kg), with a symptomatic phase most common in older patients. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is the most predisposed breed, with almost all the individuals presenting the disease and clinical signs in early ages when comparing to other breeds. This condition is a polygenic disease, and the mechanisms that lead to the mitral valve degeneration are not yet completely known. A phenotypic modification of the valvular interstitial cells seems to be a major feature in the development of the changes observed in the mitral valve. The changes in connective tissue, collagen organisation and glycosaminoglycans deposition leads to the formation of nodules on the valve. These nodules are what give the disease its name. The changes result in an inability of complete closure of the mitral valve, which leads to mitral regurgitation, the primary cause for cardiac remodelling and all the following clinical signs observed in the course of the disease. The medical treatment aims to delay the onset of clinical signs and congestive heart failure in earlier stages of the disease. Nonetheless, in the last stage of the disease, the medical treatment is no longer effective. The surgical treatment is possible but not frequent, due to its high cost and the need for specialized teams. Being such a common disease, studies in the area are still need, to increase the efficacy of the medical treatment and extend the life expectancy of the affected dogs.
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