How is congestive heart failure due to MMVD diagnosed?
The diagnosis of MMVD is usually via the detection of a heart murmur during routine veterinary check-ups using a stethoscope. Although stethoscope findings may be suggestive of MMVD, a veterinarian may also rely on the following tests to confirm the presence of congestive heart failure: • Radiographs (x-rays): to check for any enlargement of the heart or fluid accumulation in the lungs1 • Echocardiography (ultrasound): to show any thickening of the heart valve edges1, or enlargement of the chambers of the heart. By contrast, electrocardiographs (which measure electrical activity in the heart) are of limited use in the diagnosis of MMVD.
