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
Mitral valve dysplasia and mitral valve endocardiosis are diseases of the mitral valve in the heart of cats. They lead to a malfunction of the heart valve between the left atrium and the left ventricle, 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 valve and disrupt blood flow in the heart. Dysplasia is often congenital 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 atrium, which can lead to heart problems. Common symptoms include heart murmurs, increased respiratory and heart rate, as well as lethargy and loss of appetite. Less common are respiratory distress, bluish mucous membranes, or a weak pulse. Diagnosis is made by clinical examination, X-ray, ultrasound, and sometimes blood tests. Treatment depends on the severity of the disease and often includes medications such as diuretics and ACE inhibitors. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary but is risky. Adjusting diet and exercise can also help. The prognosis varies greatly, depending on the course of the disease and the therapy. Preventive measures such as a healthy diet and regular veterinary examinations are important. In the 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 atrium to the left ventricle. In dysplasia or endocardiosis, the valve is malformed or altered, leading to faulty function.
Mitral valve dysplasia in cats is often a congenital disease caused by genetic factors. This malformation can occur when the valve does not develop properly in the embryonic stage. Purebred cats are often affected, which indicates a genetic predisposition.
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 valve becomes leaky, leading to a backflow of blood into the left atrium. This condition is called mitral regurgitation and can lead to enlargement of the heart and ultimately to heart failure.
Symptoms
The symptoms of mitral valve dysplasia or endocardiosis can be very subtle and develop slowly. Cats are masters at hiding signs of illness, which can make diagnosis difficult.
Typical symptoms are respiratory 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 ascites, which are caused by backflow problems in the circulatory system. These symptoms result from the heart’s inability to pump blood efficiently.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of mitral valve dysplasia or endocardiosis is usually made through a combination of clinical examination, X-rays, ultrasound 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 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
Treatment depends on the severity of the disease and the symptoms. In many cases, therapy focuses on symptomatic treatment and supporting heart function.
Medications such as diuretics help 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 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 therapy, adjusting the diet and controlled exercise therapy can help alleviate symptoms and improve the cat’s quality of life.
Prognosis and follow-up care
The prognosis for mitral valve dysplasia 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 therapy, many cats can maintain a good quality of life for years. However, with advanced disease and lack of treatment, the prognosis worsens significantly.
Regular veterinary monitoring and adjustment of therapy are crucial to control the disease and avoid complications. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for a better prognosis.
Prevention
To prevent mitral valve dysplasia 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 testing or take special precautions to minimize the risk of mitral valve dysplasia or mitral valve endocardiosis.