This is a common condition in our beautiful breed, which needs to be learnt about and prevented. I have not yet come across a Cavalier book which brings forward this issue so in this part of the Chouette Homepage my aim is to try and bring forward some of the facts about MVD.

What is MVD ?

MVD is a disease of the heart's mitral valve. The leaflets that make up the Mitral Valve begin to thicken, this prevents the valves from closing and sealing properly allowing some blood to flow backwards into the heart chamber. As the disease progresses more the amount of blood that backflows into the heart chamber increases causing a defficiency of the heart. Fluid begins to build up on the lungs making the Cavalier cough. After a while the heart cannot keep up with the bodies requirments due to the bad valve(s). This will normaly result in part or complete heart faliure.

Is Age a Factor?

Cavaliers really started showing signs of MVD until they were older, but recently much younger dogs have been found with this disease, making for concern among breeders. A study shows that in the U.K and U.S.A 60-80 % of Cavaliers between 4-6 have a heart murmer.

Prevention

  When breeding use a Dam and Sire with clear heart certificates. Also if you know of any close ancestors with MVD do not use the dog/bitch as part of your breeding program. It is also a good idea (although not always possible) to use a dog over 5 years of age who still has a clear heart.

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