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Shop 2 (Lot 6) / 380 Cavendish Rd, Coorparoo QLD 4151
Ruby
Ruby, a 10 year old female Cavoodle , presented for a routine vaccination and health check when a new grade 3/6 heart murmur was detected during the examination.
Chest X-rays revealed a slightly enlarged heart but no signs of fluid in the lungs, ruling out congestive heart failure. An in-house echocardiogram performed by a mobile veterinary cardiologist diagnosed Grade B1 myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD).
This condition, common in older small-breed dogs, results in the degeneration of the mitral valve, leading to blood backflow, heart chamber enlargement, and eventually, congestive heart failure.
Treatment & Management
At this stage, Ruby’s Grade B1 disease did not require medication. However, her owners gained peace of mind knowing she wasn’t yet at the point of needing lifelong treatment.
Ruby’s owners were trained to monitor her sleeping respiratory rate (SRR), an early indicator of worsening heart disease. Regular echocardiograms every 6-12 months were recommended for ongoing monitoring.
Early detection
Ruby remains stable with no signs of congestive heart failure, and her condition will continue to be monitored closely to ensure early intervention if needed.