12 Jun Mitral Valve Repair Surgery in Dogs: What You Should Know
Mitral valve disease is one of the most common heart conditions in dogs, especially in small breeds like Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Miniature Poodles, and Dachshunds. Over time, the mitral valve—the structure that controls one-way blood flow between the left atrium and left ventricle—can begin to degenerate and leak. This leads to a condition called mitral regurgitation, where blood flows backward in the heart during contraction. As the disease progresses, it may cause coughing, labored breathing, fainting, or congestive heart failure.
Most dogs are treated with medications that help control the symptoms and improve heart function, but those treatments don’t repair the valve itself. Until recently, there were no surgical options available in the United States, and owners who wanted to pursue curative surgery had to travel internationally. That is now changing.
What Is Mitral Valve Repair Surgery for Dogs?
Mitral valve repair is a highly specialized open-heart surgery. During the procedure, a surgical team opens the chest and heart and uses a heart-lung machine (cardiopulmonary bypass) to take over circulation while the heart is temporarily stopped. The surgeon then carefully reshapes and reconstructs the valve using techniques such as artificial chordae replacement, leaflet trimming, and reinforcement of the valve ring. The goal is to stop the leak and restore proper blood flow through the heart.
Unlike medication, this surgery addresses the source of the problem and can dramatically improve a dog’s long-term outlook, often allowing discontinuation of heart medications altogether.
Where Is This Surgery Available and What Are the Costs?
There are currently three major centers offering mitral valve repair surgery in dogs:
- University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine (Gainesville, FL): This is the only program of its kind currently operating in the United States. Led by Dr. Katsuhiro Matsuura, a surgeon with extensive experience in valve repair from Japan, UF began offering this procedure in 2023 and has already achieved outstanding outcomes. The estimated cost for surgery and in-hospital post-operative care is between $45,000 and $50,000. This estimate does not include pre-surgical evaluations or follow-up care, which typically consists of six recheck visits with your local cardiologist over the following year for echocardiograms, blood work, and other diagnostics.
- JASMINE Veterinary Cardiovascular Medical Center (Yokohama, Japan): One of the world’s leaders in canine mitral valve repair with over a decade of experience and very high success rates. As of July 2018, the surgical cost at the JASMINE clinic is approximately $18,000 USD, depending on current exchange rates. Additional costs include travel, hospital stays, pre- and post-operative care, consultation fees, and any extended aftercare.
- Royal Veterinary College (London, UK): Offers mitral valve repair surgery through a well-established cardiac surgery program with collaborative case planning and postoperative care. The estimated total medical fee, including preoperative evaluation, surgery, and postoperative care, is £23,500 (approximately $30,000 USD), excluding pre-operative and post-discharge consultation and diagnostic fees. Additional owner costs include travel to and lodging near the Royal Veterinary College during the time of surgery.
How Do I Know if My Dog Is a Candidate?
Not every dog with mitral valve disease is a good candidate for surgery. Dogs must meet specific criteria related to the severity of the valve disease, overall health, and absence of other complicating conditions. Most centers require a detailed evaluation that includes echocardiography, chest x-rays, and lab work. Surgery is typically considered for dogs in the earlier stages of heart failure or just before heart failure begins.
What to Expect After Mitral Valve Repair in Dogs
Dogs undergoing mitral valve repair will typically stay in the hospital for one to two weeks postoperatively. Recovery at home requires rest and gradual return to activity. Most dogs experience significant improvement in energy levels and breathing, and many are able to reduce or even discontinue heart medications. The success rate of the surgery, when performed by experienced teams, is very high, generally exceeding 90%.
Is This Right for My Dog?
If your dog has been diagnosed with moderate to severe mitral valve disease and you’re interested in surgical options, talk with your veterinary cardiologist. They can help determine if your dog might be a candidate and assist with the referral process to one of the institutions offering this procedure.
Support and Resources for Mitral Valve Repair in Dogs
Organizations like the Mighty Hearts Project provide guidance for families exploring mitral valve repair. Their website offers detailed explanations of the process, financial planning support, travel logistics, and personal stories from owners who have been through the experience.
Advanced Cardiac Care for Pets in Nevada
If you’re located in Nevada and seeking expert guidance, contact us for referrals, diagnostics, and follow-up care. Early detection and treatment planning can make all the difference in your dog’s quality of life.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (06/12/2025) Image by Paweł Kenar from Pixabay