About The Webinar
The latest (2019) ACVIM Guidelines, for Mitral Valve Disease (MVD) in dogs, has been thoroughly updated and renewed by a panel of international expert cardiologists. These guidelines additionally discuss key aspects of the diagnosis as well as the staging of heart failure.
The estimated diagnostic error rate for CHF in veterinary practice is 30%, so correct diagnosis is key to providing appropriate treatment, but it is also important to note that if there is a failure to respond to medications, then there may be a need to review the diagnosis. The guidelines refers to a number of key diagnostic features from the grade of murmur through to the various keg measurements from diagnostic tests such as radiography and echocardiography.
The treatment recommendations for clinical (symptomatic) congestive heart failure (CHF) due to MVD are now: pimobendan, ACE inhibitors, diuretics & spironolactone (PADS). However, continued lifelong monitoring is also important and there are a number of useful guidelines on how best to do so, both for owners and vets. Monitoring renal and electrolytes status is important as well as ensuring there is neither over-diuresis or under-diuresis, as well as appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
