Please join Michele Borgarelli, DVM; Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, for the Update on Mitral Valve Disease Research in Dogs webinar.  

Myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) represents a major health issue in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCSs). The disease appears at an earlier age, compared to other breeds, and has a genetic, heritable basis. The investigator’s preliminary studies found that some CKCSs have a MV of a different shape compared to other breeds. This altered shape of the MV could impose abnormal forces on the valve and predispose the breed for early development of the disease. 

This research is studying whether the shape of the MV is linked to the age of onset of MMVD in CKCSs, and, if so, the shape of the MV could be used as a screening method, and for directing breeding decisions in order to lower the prevalence of MMVD in CKCSs.