Based on Gil's tracking new cases (never seen before by cardiologist) In 1994, total number of dogs examined were 172. Of those 172 dogs, 35% had a murmur by age 3.
In 2001, total number of new dogs examined were 248. Of those dogs, 30% had a murmur by age 3. Results of this study: 5% drop in murmur detection by age 3 from new cases examined in 1994 and in 2001 In 1994, 20% of the new cases had a murmur by 5 to 5.5 years In 2001, 30% of the new cases had a murmur by 6 to 8 years Results are positive, stay the course. Not realistic to expect to eliminate this complicated, polygenetic disease from cavaliers. However, we can continue to increase the age of early development. His research already shows over the last 7 years that we had a 5% drop by age 3. That is progress! >From other foreign studies with larger samples over 10 year period, the average age a murmur is detected by a cardiologist is: 8% at 3 years, 24% by 5 years, 30 to 40% by 8 years, and 90% by 10 years. He also said if he had a dog clear at 3 but discovered a murmur at 3.5 years that he still should be a part of the breeders breeding program because to drop all dogs that have a murmur at 3.5 years of age would amplify too many other negative traits and create new problems that don't exist now in our breed. In his opinion, you have a higher chance of reducing carriers of MVD by breeding 4 year olds that are heart clear. However, he said 4 is too old to breed for the first time. So continue what we are doing because it is making a difference in the age of early onset. Treatment suggestions: murmur, no signs, no treatment shows symptoms, use lasix moderate heart enlargement, use ace inhibitor severe, use all, every 12 hours - lasix, aldactone,plus "ace inhibitors" - enalapril & beneazepril & digoxin To sleep better, apply nitroglycerin ointment at night and wear a protected glove when rubbing in on chest. Remove 12 hears later. Take incremental approach with food and exercise. Food: continue the same brand of dog food they enjoyed prior to diagnosis vs. salt restricted food , however, restrict salt from treats like no more peanut butter or chicken skin. Most important for them to keep eating. Exercise: no running at moderate enlargement severe enlargement, must be very restrictive, pick up and take outside to potty I have given a summary from my notes since he gave no hand-outs and hope you find this helpful. Patricia Powers Pratt Cavaliers ========================================================= "Magic Commands": to stop receiving mail for awhile, click here and send the email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?body=SET%20CKCS-L%20NOMAIL to start it up gain click here: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?body=SET%20CKCS-L%20MAIL E-mail [EMAIL PROTECTED] for assistance. Search the Archives... http://apple.ease.lsoft.com/archives/ckcs-l.html All e-mail sent through CKCS-L is Copyright 2002 by its original author ========================================================= "Magic Commands": to stop receiving mail for awhile, click here and send the email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?body=SET%20CKCS-L%20NOMAIL to start it up gain click here: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?body=SET%20CKCS-L%20MAIL E-mail [EMAIL PROTECTED] for assistance. Search the Archives... http://apple.ease.lsoft.com/archives/ckcs-l.html All e-mail sent through CKCS-L is Copyright 2002 by its original author.
