Archive Case #86: Canine Degenerative Mitral Valve Disease

Clinical Clues

1. An older small breed dog is evaluated for a chronic heart murmur and a new nighttime cough.
2. The owner reports that exercise tolerance has gradually declined.
3. A left apical systolic murmur is loud on auscultation.
4. Thoracic imaging shows left atrial enlargement with signs of pulmonary oedema.
5. Echocardiography supports degenerative change of the mitral valve.
6. The most common acquired heart disease of small breed dogs leads to mitral regurgitation and eventually congestive heart failure.

Diagnosis

Canine Degenerative Mitral Valve Disease

This case is most consistent with Canine Degenerative Mitral Valve Disease because the dog has a classic murmur location, structural mitral valve change, and left-sided heart failure. The most important clues are the small-breed signalment and left atrial enlargement, which make primary lung disease less likely.

Educational Use

Vetdle archive cases are educational veterinary games for diagnostic reasoning practice. They do not provide veterinary advice, diagnosis, treatment, or professional medical guidance.