DEGENERATIVE VALVE DISEASE

The heart consists of four valves that allow the blood to flow in only one direction to supply oxygen and necessary nutrients to the body. These valves can degenerate with time or due to some genetic factors. This makes the one-way valve leak. This leaking of blood makes a murmuring sound which can be heard by the veterinarian when he listens t your dog’s heart.  Valvular degeneration may not show any obvious signs and symptoms and murmur sound may be found incidentally, during some other physical examination. If the condition continues, this may result in heart failure. Symptoms of this may include cough, exercise intolerance, collapse, and lethargy. After physical examination, other imaging techniques may also be used for further diagnosis. The primary goal in the treatment of degenerative valve disease is to minimize the workload on the heart. the treatment varies depending on the severity of the condition.