|
Valvular
Disease is the most common acquired heart problem seen in
dogs. While there are many exceptions to the rule, this
problem occurs most often in a small breed, old dog!
A normal mitral
valve (left), and a diseased mitral valve (right)
|
|
|
|
Normal mitral valve
|
Diseased mitral valve
|
Two angiograms (special
x-rays of the heart and its vessels) show a healty heart
(left) and a diseased heart (right). In the heart with a
diseased mitral valve, blood flows backwards into the atrial
chamber. This causes the atrium to enlarge. Eventually,
the ventricle will also enlarge.
|
|
|
|
Healthy heart
|
Diseased heart
|
|
