Mitral valve dysplasia Mitral valve endocardiosis (malformation of the heart valve between the left atrium and left ventricle) in cats
- Occurrence: very rare
- Location of illness: Chest
When to visit the vet?
Non-urgent see a veterinarian within 2–3 days
If the condition worsens / symptoms persist, consult a veterinarian.
Definition
Mitral valve dysplasiaDysplasia is an abnormal development or growth of cells, tissues, or organs. It can be a precursor to cancer, but does not necessarily lead to cancer. Dysplasia can occur in various parts of the body, including the cervix and hip. and mitral valve endocardiosis are diseases of the mitral valvesThe mitral valves are heart valves located between the left atrium and left ventricle of the heart. They allow blood to flow in one direction from the atrium to the ventricle and prevent backflow of blood. in the heart of cats. They lead to a malfunction of the heart valve between the left atriumThe atrium (plural: atria) is one of the two upper chambers in the heart that receive blood from the body (right atrium) or from the lungs (left atrium). and the left ventricleA ventricle is one of the two lower chambers of the heart that pump blood into the arteries. The right ventricle pumps blood to the lungs, while the left ventricle pumps blood throughout the body., which disrupts the normal blood flow dynamics.
The most important facts at a glance
Mitral valve dysplasia and mitral valve endocardiosis are heart diseases in cats that affect the mitral valvesThe mitral valves are heart valves located between the left atrium and left ventricle of the heart. They allow blood to flow in one direction from the atrium to the ventricle and prevent backflow of blood. and disrupt blood flow in the heart. DysplasiaDysplasia is an abnormal development or growth of cells, tissues, or organs. It can be a precursor to cancer, but does not necessarily lead to cancer. Dysplasia can occur in various parts of the body, including the cervix and hip. is often congenitalCongenital means "present from birth" and refers to characteristics or conditions that are already present at birth. This can include genetic disorders, developmental anomalies, or infections transmitted by the mother. and genetically determined, while endocardiosis is usually age-related or caused by other factors such as high blood pressure. Both diseases lead to a backflow of blood into the left atriumThe atrium (plural: atria) is one of the two upper chambers in the heart that receive blood from the body (right atrium) or from the lungs (left atrium)., which can lead to heart problems. Common symptoms include heart murmurs, increased breathing and heart rate, as well as lethargy and loss of appetite. Less common are shortness of breath, bluish mucous membranes, or a weak pulse. The diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. is made by clinical examination, X-rayX-ray is an imaging technique that uses X-rays to create images of the inside of the body. It is often used to diagnose bone fractures, lung diseases, and other conditions., ultrasoundUltrasound refers to sound waves that are above the hearing threshold of the human ear. In medicine, ultrasound is used for diagnostic imaging procedures to visualize internal organs, tissues, and blood flow., and sometimes blood tests. Treatment depends on the severity of the disease and often includes medications such as diureticsDiuretics are medications that increase urine production in the kidneys to rid the body of excess salt and water. They are often used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and certain types of edema. and ACE inhibitors. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary, but it is risky. Adjusting diet and exercise can also help. The prognosisThe prognosis is the prediction of the likely course and outcome of a disease based on the general state of health, the nature of the disease, and the response to treatment. It can provide information on how a disease is expected to develop. varies greatly, depending on the course of the disease and the therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions.. Preventive measures such as a healthy diet and regular veterinary check-ups are important. In case of genetic risk, special precautions can be useful to minimize the development of the disease.
Causes
The mitral valve is one of the four main valves in the heart and ensures that blood flows in only one direction – from the left atriumThe atrium (plural: atria) is one of the two upper chambers in the heart that receive blood from the body (right atrium) or from the lungs (left atrium). to the left ventricleA ventricle is one of the two lower chambers of the heart that pump blood into the arteries. The right ventricle pumps blood to the lungs, while the left ventricle pumps blood throughout the body.. In dysplasia or endocardiosis, the valve is malformed or altered, leading to faulty function.
Mitral valve dysplasiaDysplasia is an abnormal development or growth of cells, tissues, or organs. It can be a precursor to cancer, but does not necessarily lead to cancer. Dysplasia can occur in various parts of the body, including the cervix and hip. in cats is often a congenitalCongenital means "present from birth" and refers to characteristics or conditions that are already present at birth. This can include genetic disorders, developmental anomalies, or infections transmitted by the mother. disease caused by genetic factors. This malformation can occur if the valve does not develop properly in the embryonic stage. Purebred cats are often affected, which indicates a genetic predispositionA predisposition is an innate inclination or susceptibility of an organism to certain diseases or conditions. In dogs and cats, there may be a genetic predisposition to certain conditions such as hip dysplasia or certain heart diseases..
Mitral valve endocardiosis, on the other hand, is usually an acquired disease that results from degenerative changes over the course of the cat’s life. This can be favored by aging, but also by other factors such as high blood pressure or infections.
In both diseases, the mitral valvesThe mitral valves are heart valves located between the left atrium and left ventricle of the heart. They allow blood to flow in one direction from the atrium to the ventricle and prevent backflow of blood. become leaky, leading to a backflow of blood into the left atriumThe atrium (plural: atria) is one of the two upper chambers in the heart that receive blood from the body (right atrium) or from the lungs (left atrium).. This condition is called mitral insufficiencyMitral insufficiency is a malfunction of the mitral valve in the heart, which causes blood to flow back from the left ventricle into the left atrium. This can lead to symptoms such as shortness of breath, Lethargy, and Palpitations. and can lead to enlargement of the heart and ultimately to heart failure.
Symptoms
The symptoms of mitral valve dysplasiaDysplasia is an abnormal development or growth of cells, tissues, or organs. It can be a precursor to cancer, but does not necessarily lead to cancer. Dysplasia can occur in various parts of the body, including the cervix and hip. or endocardiosis can be very subtle and develop slowly. Cats are masters at hiding signs of disease, which can make diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. difficult.
Typical symptoms are respiratoryRespiratory refers to breathing or the process of breathing. Respiratory diseases affect the respiratory tract and can impair the ability to breathe effectively. distress, cough, decreased activity, loss of appetite, and weight loss. In advanced cases, fainting spells or sudden collapse may occur. Often, affected cats also show signs of lethargy and reduced resilience.
Another sign can be an enlarged liver or ascitesAscites refers to the accumulation of free fluid in the abdominal cavity, which can lead to visible abdominal distension. It can be caused by various diseases, including liver disease, cancer, or heart failure., which are caused by backflow problems in the circulatory system. These symptoms result from the heart’s inability to pump blood efficiently.
Diagnosis
The diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. of mitral valve dysplasiaDysplasia is an abnormal development or growth of cells, tissues, or organs. It can be a precursor to cancer, but does not necessarily lead to cancer. Dysplasia can occur in various parts of the body, including the cervix and hip. or endocardiosis is usually made through a combination of clinical examination, X-rays, ultrasoundUltrasound refers to sound waves that are above the hearing threshold of the human ear. In medicine, ultrasound is used for diagnostic imaging procedures to visualize internal organs, tissues, and blood flow. examinations (echocardiogram), and sometimes blood tests.
During the clinical examination, a veterinarian may detect heart murmurs, which indicate a leaky mitral valve. These heart murmurs are caused by the backflow of blood into the left atriumThe atrium (plural: atria) is one of the two upper chambers in the heart that receive blood from the body (right atrium) or from the lungs (left atrium)..
An echocardiogram is particularly valuable because it provides a detailed view of the heart structure and the function of the mitral valve. It can reveal malformations or degenerative changes in the valve and help assess the severity of the disease.
In some cases, blood tests may also be performed to check the cat’s general health and rule out other possible causes for the symptoms.
Therapy
The treatment depends on the severity of the disease and the symptoms. In many cases, the therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions. focuses on symptomatic treatment and supporting heart function.
Medications such as diureticsDiuretics are medications that increase urine production in the kidneys to rid the body of excess salt and water. They are often used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and certain types of edema. help to remove excess fluid from the body and reduce the strain on the heart. ACE inhibitors can lower blood pressure and reduce cardiac load, while positive inotropes can increase the heart muscle strength.
In severe cases, surgical intervention may be considered to repair or replace the mitral valve. However, such procedures are complex and carry risks, so they must be carefully considered.
In addition to drug therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions., adjusting the diet and controlled exercise therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions. can help to alleviate the symptoms and improve the cat’s quality of life.
Prognosis and follow-up care
The prognosis for mitral valve dysplasiaDysplasia is an abnormal development or growth of cells, tissues, or organs. It can be a precursor to cancer, but does not necessarily lead to cancer. Dysplasia can occur in various parts of the body, including the cervix and hip. and mitral valve endocardiosis varies greatly and depends on the severity of the disease and the response to treatment.
In early stages and with a good response to therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions., many cats can maintain a good quality of life for years. However, with advanced disease and lack of treatment, the prognosisThe prognosis is the prediction of the likely course and outcome of a disease based on the general state of health, the nature of the disease, and the response to treatment. It can provide information on how a disease is expected to develop. worsens significantly.
Regular veterinary monitoring and adjustment of the therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions. are crucial to control the disease and avoid complications. Early diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. and treatment are crucial for a better prognosisThe prognosis is the prediction of the likely course and outcome of a disease based on the general state of health, the nature of the disease, and the response to treatment. It can provide information on how a disease is expected to develop..
Prevention
To prevent mitral valve dysplasiaDysplasia is an abnormal development or growth of cells, tissues, or organs. It can be a precursor to cancer, but does not necessarily lead to cancer. Dysplasia can occur in various parts of the body, including the cervix and hip. and mitral valve endocardiosis in cats, it is important to pay attention to a healthy lifestyle. A balanced diet plays a central role, as it can promote general heart health. Feed your cat high-quality food that is rich in essential nutrients to support the cardiovascular system.
Regular veterinary checkups are also crucial. These examinations make it possible to recognize early signs of heart problems and take timely action. Discuss specific risk factors for your cat with your veterinarian and have special heart examinations performed if necessary.
To avoid overweight, which can put additional strain on the heart, make sure your cat gets enough exercise. Play with your cat regularly and encourage their activity to keep their weight in a healthy range.
If cases of heart problems are known in your cat’s breeding line, special caution is advised. In such cases, it may be advisable to consider genetic tests or take special precautions to minimize the risk of mitral valve dysplasiaDysplasia is an abnormal development or growth of cells, tissues, or organs. It can be a precursor to cancer, but does not necessarily lead to cancer. Dysplasia can occur in various parts of the body, including the cervix and hip. or mitral valve endocardiosis.