Vol. 10, Issue 12, Part I (2025)

Author(s): Madhavi Priya K, Vikram Chandu V, Abiramy Prabavathy A, Rajkumar K, Vijayalakshmi P, Selvi D and Arul Jothi N

Abstract: Mitral valve disease (MVD) is the most common acquired cardiac disorder in dogs, predominantly affecting small-breed and aging populations. However, region-specific data from India are limited. The present study aimed to clinically screen dogs for MVD, assess associated risk factors, and evaluate murmur characteristics and diagnostic findings in dogs presented to a tertiary veterinary care facility in Puducherry. A total of 2,938 dogs presented to the Small Animal Medicine Unit, Veterinary Clinical Complex, Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Veterinary Education and Research, Puducherry, between March and September 2025 were screened. Dogs with clinical signs suggestive of cardiac disease underwent detailed physical examination, cardiac auscultation, blood pressure measurement, electrocardiography, thoracic radiography, echocardiography, and haemato-biochemical evaluation. Based on echocardiographic findings and ACVIM (2019) guidelines, dogs were classified as Stage B2 or Stage C MVD, with eight clinically healthy dogs serving as controls. Of the 41 dogs diagnosed with cardiac diseases, 26 (63.4%) were affected with MVD. The highest occurrence was observed in dogs aged 7-9 years, with a higher representation of males and small-breed dogs, particularly Spitz and Pug. Common clinical signs included cough, dyspnoea, tachypnoea, and exercise intolerance, while auscultation predominantly revealed high-grade holosystolic murmurs over the left apical region. Significant electrocardiographic, radiographic, and echocardiographic alterations, including increased vertebral heart score and left atrial and ventricular enlargement, were observed. Haematological and biochemical changes were generally mild. The findings highlight the burden of MVD in dogs from the Puducherry region and underscore the importance of early screening, accurate staging, and comprehensive diagnostic evaluation for improved clinical outcomes.

DOI: 10.22271/veterinary.2025.v10.i12i.2890