"Dysplasia" means abnormal development of tissue. This means that the dog's mitral valve developed abnormally, and technically, it does have "mitral valve disease (MVD)". Mitral Valve Disease is a generic term encompassing many mitral valve problems. Cavalier owners (myself sometimes included) often use the term as if it applies only to endocardiosis.
If it is a very young dog, perhaps the valve developed abnormally in utero, as it is unlikely to be a dysplasia due to endocardiosis in a very young dog. But if it is an older dog, it would be difficult to say on echo whether the dysplasia was congenital, or whether it was due in part to mitral valve endocardiosis. Prognosis would depend on the specific dysplasia, and whether or not it is causing, or is expected to cause, a stenosis or a regurgitation. Was that mentioned? Did you talk to the cardiologist yourself, or are you getting this information secondhand? My apologies for asking so many questions, but more information is needed to adequately advise you. A (human) friend of mine just had valve replacement surgery for congenital mitral valve dysplasia. In him, it acted much like endocardiosis might act, causing the heart to work harder, which consequently made it enlarge and become less efficient. Leanne ----- Original Message ----- > I have recently heard of a cavalier with mitral valve dysplasia but I cannot > find anything on the internet about it. This was detected by echo/color > doppler. The dog in question has no murmur, no MVD according to the > cardiologist, and also had an EKG that was perfect. > If anyone has any information on this would you please let me know. You can > email privately if you like, > Mary LaChance > [EMAIL PROTECTED] > ========================================================= "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.
