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Atrioventricular Valve Dysplasia (Malformation of Heart Valves) in Dogs

Occurrence: common
Location of illness: Chest

Author: Dr. med. vet. Gisa Löwe | Last modified: 06.11.2025

The most important facts at a glance

Atrioventricular valve dysplasia in dogs is a congenital malformation of the heart valves that impairs blood flow in the heart. The mitral and tricuspid valvesThe tricuspid valves are the heart valves between the right atrium and the right ventricle of the heart. They prevent the backflow of blood from the ventricle back into the atrium during heart contraction. are often affected. This malformation has genetic causes and occurs more frequently in certain breeds such as the German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever. Environmental factors during pregnancy, such as infections or malnutrition, can also play a role. Symptoms include Cough, reduced exercise tolerance, and shortness of breath. 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 through clinical examinations and imaging, especially echocardiograms, to assess the heart structure. In some cases, genetic tests are performed to determine susceptibility. Treatment aims to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. This may include 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. Surgical interventions are possible in severe cases. 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. depends on the severity of the disease, with mild cases allowing a normal quality of life. PreventionPrevention includes measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries. In veterinary medicine, this includes vaccinations, parasite control, and health monitoring. focuses on breeding control and healthy conditions for pregnant bitches. Research is investigating genetic markers, improved diagnostic methods, and new treatment options to improve the quality of life of affected dogs.

Causes

The heart’s atrioventricular valves, the mitral and tricuspid valvesThe tricuspid valves are the heart valves between the right atrium and the right ventricle of the heart. They prevent the backflow of blood from the ventricle back into the atrium during heart contraction., are crucial for regulating blood flow between the heart chambers. In dysplasia, these valves are abnormally shaped or dysfunctional, leading to faulty blood circulation. This can result in heart overload and inadequate oxygen supply to the body.

The causes of this malformation are usually genetic. Certain dog breeds appear to have a higher 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. to this condition, including the German Shepherd, Bulldog, and Labrador Retriever. In these breeds, genetic mutations during the developmental stages of the heart are suspected to cause this anomalyAn anomaly is a deviation from what is considered normal or expected. In medicine, it often refers to unusual physical or genetic characteristics that may be present at birth or develop later..

In addition to genetic factors, environmental factors during pregnancy may also play a role. Infections, toxicToxic means "poisonous" and refers to substances that can have harmful effects on the body, including damage to organs, cells, or disruption of metabolic processes. substances, or malnutrition in the pregnant bitch can affect the development of the fetal heart valves. However, the exact influence of these factors is less well documented than the genetic component.

Symptoms

Very common symptoms:

Common symptoms:

Rare symptoms:

The symptoms of atrioventricular 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. can vary depending on the severity of the malformation. In mild cases, the dogs may be asymptomaticAsymptomatic means that there are no recognizable symptoms of a disease. An animal can have a disease or infection without showing visible signs, which can make diagnosis and treatment more difficult., while in more severe cases, serious heart problems may occur. The most common symptoms include shortness of breath, Cough, decreased exercise tolerance, and Lethargy. In some cases, 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. may also occur due to fluid retention.

In puppies, the disease can lead to delayed development and Growth disorders. Some dogs may also show fainting spells or a bluish discoloration of the mucous membranes, indicating a lack of oxygen. These symptoms result from an inadequate pumping capacity of the heart, which causes insufficient oxygenated blood to reach the body.

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 atrioventricular 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. is based on a combination of clinical examination, imaging, and sometimes genetic testing. Initially, a veterinarian will perform a thorough physical examination to detect signs of Heart failure such as heart murmurs, difficulty breathing, or fluid retention.

An important diagnostic step is to perform an echocardiogram, which uses 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. waves to create a detailed image of the heart and its structures. This examination can show how well the valves are functioning and whether there are any abnormalities. In addition, chest X-rays can be taken to assess the size and shape of the heart and to detect fluid accumulation in the lungs or abdominalThe term "abdominal" refers to anything that concerns the belly or the abdomen. It is an adjectival expression used to describe the location, symptoms, or conditions that occur in the abdominal area. cavity.

In some cases, genetic testing may be considered, especially if it is a breed known to be affected by this condition. These tests can help identify genetic markers associated with 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..

Therapy

The treatment of atrioventricular valve dysplasia aims to alleviate symptoms and improve the dog’s quality of life. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to repair or replace the defective valves. However, these procedures are complex and not possible in all cases.

Drug treatment often includes the use of 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. to remove excess fluid from the body and reduce the strain on the heart. ACE inhibitors can be used to lower blood pressure and support heart function. In some cases, beta-blockers or antiarrhythmics are used to control Cardiac arrhythmiaAn arrhythmia is a heart rhythm disorder in which the heart beats irregularly, either too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia), or with an irregular pattern. Arrhythmias can be harmless or a sign of serious heart problems..

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., dietary changes can be helpful to relieve the heart. A low-salt diet can help reduce fluid retention. Regular exercise and a healthy weight are also important aspects of managing this condition.

Prognosis and follow-up care

The prognosis for dogs with atrioventricular 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. depends on the severity of the malformation and the response to treatment. Dogs with mild forms of the disease can have a normal quality of life and life expectancy, especially if the disease is detected and treated early.

In more severe cases, 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. may be less favorable. These dogs often have a limited life expectancy and require intensive medical care. Complications such as Heart failure or severe Cardiac arrhythmiaAn arrhythmia is a heart rhythm disorder in which the heart beats irregularly, either too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia), or with an irregular pattern. Arrhythmias can be harmless or a sign of serious heart problems. can accelerate the progressionProgression refers to the advancement or worsening of a disease over time. It describes an increase in the severity or extent of the disease symptoms. of the disease.

Close collaboration with a veterinarian and regular check-ups are crucial to monitor the course of the disease and adjust treatment accordingly.

Prevention

Since atrioventricular 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. is often genetic, preventionPrevention includes measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries. In veterinary medicine, this includes vaccinations, parasite control, and health monitoring. is primarily focused on breeding control. Breeders should use genetic testing to exclude affected animals from breeding, thus minimizing the spread of the disease within the breed.

In addition, it is important to keep pregnant bitches in a healthy environment and provide them with a balanced diet to reduce the risk of developmental abnormalities in the fetus. Avoiding stressStress refers to the state of an organism reacting to external stimuli or demands. In veterinary medicine, stress can have physical or psychological effects on animals, impacting their health and well-being. and contact with potentially harmful substances during pregnancy can also help reduce the likelihood of malformations.

Regular veterinary check-ups, especially in breeds that are susceptible to this condition, can help detect the condition early and improve management. 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. can be crucial to maintaining the quality of life of affected dogs and minimizing complications.

Outlook on current research

Atrioventricular 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. (AV 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 dogs is 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. malformation of the heart valves that can impair the function of the heart. Research into this condition focuses on understanding the genetic and environmental factors that lead to the development of 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.. Current studies are investigating the genetic markers associated with the disease to better understand how this malformation arises and is inherited. These findings could lead to the development of genetic tests in the future that can detect the risk of AV 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 dogs early on.

Another focus of research is on improving diagnostic techniques. The use of advanced imaging techniques, such as three-dimensional echocardiographyEchocardiography is an ultrasound examination of the heart that assesses the structure and function of the heart valves and chambers. It can provide information about heart size, pumping function, and the presence of heart disease. and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)Magnetic resonance imaging is an imaging technique that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the inside of the body. It is used in veterinary medicine to diagnose diseases of the brain, spine, and other organs., allows detailed visualization of the heart valves and their dysfunctionDysfunction refers to an impaired or abnormal function of an organ or system in the body. This can be due to diseases, disorders, or damage and can affect the quality of life.. Such techniques could increase diagnostic accuracy and help to better assess the severity of the disease. The goal is to make 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. as early as puppyhood to allow for early intervention.

Therapeutic research focuses on the development of new surgical and drug treatment strategies. Experimental surgical techniques, such as valve reconstruction or the use of valve prostheses, are currently being tested in clinical trials. At the same time, work is being done to improve drugs that support heart performance and relieve the symptoms of the disease. In particular, the fine-tuning of the dose and combination of heart-supporting drugs is the focus of research.

In addition, research is being conducted into how environmental influences during pregnancy could increase the risk of AV 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.. Studies in this area shed light on how factors such as nutrition, stressStress refers to the state of an organism reacting to external stimuli or demands. In veterinary medicine, stress can have physical or psychological effects on animals, impacting their health and well-being. or infections during pregnancy affect the embryonic development of the cardiovascular system. Findings in this regard could enable preventive measures to reduce the incidenceIncidence refers to the number of new cases of a disease or condition that occur within a specific time period in a specific population group. It provides information about the risk of contracting the disease. of this malformation.

Ultimately, research into the quality of life of dogs with AV 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. is also a significant topic. Long-term studies that examine the effects of the disease and its treatment on the well-being of affected animals are intended to help develop the best management strategies for affected dogs. These studies provide valuable information on how the life and care of dogs with the disease can be optimally designed to improve their quality of life.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is atrioventricular 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 dogs? Atrioventricular 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. is 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. malformation of the heart valves that leads to faulty valve function. This malformation can impair the efficiency of blood flow in the heart and lead to Heart failure.
What symptoms occur in dogs with AV 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.? The most common symptoms include shortness of breath, Cough, decreased exercise tolerance, weakness, and in severe cases, fluid accumulation in the abdomenThe abdomen, also known as the abdominal cavity, is the part of the body located between the rib cage and the pelvis. It houses several important organs, including the stomach, liver, kidneys, intestines, and spleen. or chest. Some dogs also show growth delays or developmental problems.
How is 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 AV 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. made? 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 usually made through a combination of clinical examination, imaging such as X-rays or 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 echocardiographic examinations that allow a detailed view of the heart structure and function.
Can all dog breeds be affected by AV 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.? Yes, theoretically all breeds can be affected, but the disease has been observed more frequently in certain breeds such as Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Rottweilers. It is believed that there may be genetic predispositions.
Is AV 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. curable? A complete cure is rarely possible, as it is 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. malformation. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and improving the dog’s quality of life through medical or surgical measures.
What treatment options are available for AV 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.? Treatment may vary depending on the severity of the disease and includes 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. to support heart function as well as surgical procedures aimed at improving or correcting valve function.
Is surgical correction of AV 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. possible in dogs? Yes, in some cases surgical correction may be considered. The decision depends on various factors, including the severity of the malformation, the age and health of the dog, and the availability of specialized surgical expertise.
What is 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. for dogs with AV 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.? 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 and depends on the severity of the disease and the treatment chosen. With appropriate treatment, many dogs can live a relatively normal life, although in severe cases life expectancy may be shortened.
Can preventive measures be taken to prevent AV 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.? Since it is 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, preventive measures are limited. However, careful selectionSelection refers to the process of natural or artificial selection of specific individuals for reproduction, based on desired genetic traits. In breeding, this is applied to promote specific characteristics in dogs and cats. of breeding animals and avoiding risk factors during pregnancy can reduce the risk.
How can I help my dog with AV 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 everyday life? It is important to have the dog regularly monitored by a veterinarian, administer the medication exactly as directed, and pay attention to an adapted diet and moderate physical activity. A calm and stress-free environment can also help improve the quality of life.