04 Jun New Treatment Option for Dogs with Mitral Valve Disease: What You Should Know About TEER
What Is Mitral Valve Disease in Dogs?
Mitral valve disease is one of the most common heart conditions in dogs, particularly in small breeds like Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Dachshunds, and Chihuahuas. Over time, the mitral valve becomes leaky, causing blood to flow backward into the left atrium instead of moving forward through the heart.
This backward flow places strain on the heart and can lead to symptoms such as coughing, difficulty breathing, fainting episodes, and eventually congestive heart failure.
Managing Mitral Valve Disease: Traditional Treatments
For years, treatment has focused on medications to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. These medications can help dogs live longer, but do not correct the valve issue. In some cases, surgical repair has been an option, but only overseas, and it required open-heart surgery using a heart-lung machine, which made it inaccessible for many dog owners.
Introducing TEER: A New Minimally Invasive Option
A new procedure called transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) offers hope for dogs with severe mitral valve disease. This minimally invasive approach uses a device called the mitral V-Clamp, developed specifically for dogs.
The procedure involves a small incision in the chest and direct access to the heart through a small opening. The V-Clamp is positioned using real-time imaging to bring both sides of the mitral valve closer together, which helps reduce the backward flow of blood. Unlike traditional surgery, TEER is done on a beating heart and typically doesn’t require the use of a heart-lung machine.
Which Dogs Are Eligible for TEER?
TEER is currently available only at select veterinary teaching hospitals and specialty centers. It’s not right for every dog—candidates must have severe mitral valve disease and meet certain criteria based on the heart’s shape and function.
Before TEER can be considered, your dog will need:
- A full cardiac workup, including echocardiography (heart ultrasound)
- Possibly advanced imaging to evaluate the heart structure
Your veterinary cardiologist can help determine whether your dog is a good candidate.
Benefits of TEER for Dogs with Mitral Valve Disease
Many dogs that undergo the TEER procedure experience noticeable improvements in quality of life. Common outcomes include:
- Easier breathing and reduced coughing
- Increased energy and activity levels
While most dogs will still need to remain on heart medications, the goal of TEER is to enhance daily comfort and slow the progression of heart failure.
Is TEER Right for Your Dog?
If your dog has been diagnosed with advanced mitral valve disease, talk with your veterinary cardiologist about whether TEER might be a good option. They can explain the referral process and help you find a center currently offering the procedure.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (06/04/2025) Photo by Jairo Alzate on Unsplash