Potential prognostic indicators in dogs with advanced heart failure secondary to myxomatous mitral valve disease.

Background: Advanced heart failure (AHF) secondary to myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) in dogs has unclear predictive variables and survival time.
Methods: This retrospective study included 38 dogs with AHF and 38 with stable congestive heart failure (CHF), both due to MMVD. Predictive variables for AHF were analysed, and survival times were calculated using logistic regression and the Kaplan-Meier method.
Results: Left atrium to aortic root ratio, normalised left ventricular dimension at the end-diastole and end-systole, isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT) and early transmitral inflow velocity to IVRT ratio were associated with AHF progression. The median survival times were significantly longer in the stable group than in the AHF group. After AHF diagnosis, the median survival times for all-cause and cardiogenic mortality were 194 and 354 days, respectively.
Limitations: This was a single-centre retrospective observational study. The study population was small, with breed bias (overrepresentation of Maltese dogs). Additionally, the treatment plans depended on clinical experience.
Conclusions: AHF in dogs with CHF secondary to MMVD is linked to left heart chamber enlargement and increased left ventricular dimensions, significantly reducing survival time to around six months post-diagnosis. Early recognition and appropriate management may improve outcomes, highlighting the importance of advanced treatment strategies.
(© 2024 British Veterinary Association.)