Use of echocardiography and cardiac biomarkers for the diagnosis and therapeutic management of Mitral Valve Disease (MVD) in dogs

Abstract

This case report describes the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease (MMVD) in an 8-year-old intact male Shih Tzu named Oreo. Oreo presented with chronic coughing, exercise intolerance, and increased respiratory effort. Diagnostics revealed a Grade IV/VI systolic murmur, cardiomegaly, pulmonary congestion, elevated NT-proBNP and Troponin I along with mitral valve abnormalities on echocardiography. A comprehensive treatment regimen including furosemide, pimobendan, an ACE inhibitor, spironolactone, and dietary modifications led to clinical improvement. This report highlights the significance of early diagnosis and multimodal therapy in managing MMVD in small-breed dogs.