Description: When the mitral valve of the heart fails to close properly, pumped blood leaks from the left ventricle. The heart compensates by working harder and faster causing an increase in the size of the heart (hypertrophy). Fluid accumulation in the heart leads to congestive heart failure. The clinical signs of Mitral regurgitation include exercise intolerance, rales, dyspnea, coughing, and in severe cases, death. Mild cases can be treated with medications however surgery to replace the defective valve with an artificial one may be indicated for severe cases. Surgery is often risky and extremely expensive.

Breeds Commonly Affected: Akita, Collie