Heart disease can occur at any stage, either as a result of a congenital defect, such as a stenosis of one of the valves, or with degeneration over time. The two most common acquired diseases in dogs are mitral valve disease (MVD) and di- lated cardiomyopathy (DCM). MVD can take years to develop from the first time it is diagnosed, whereas some cases can present with congestive heart failure (CHF) and need emergency treatment. DCM can have a long asymptomatic period eventually leading to CHF, if not preempted by sudden death. This article will dis- cuss MVD and DCM, focussing on aetiology of both diseases, the diagnostic tests required and subsequent management aims.

Charlotte Pace -