Our Surgical Treatments

Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Mitral Valve Repair (TEER)

Some dogs suffer from underlying heart conditions like myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD), which can significantly affect their energy levels and overall quality of life. Everyday activities such as a simple walk in the park, playing fetch, or even climbing stairs can become exhausting or impossible for them. Overtime this strains the heart and it can ultimately result in serious complications such as congestive heart failure.

What is Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease (MMVD)?

MMVD is a degenerative disease that primarily affects older small-breed dogs, though it can occur in any breed. The condition weakens the mitral valve, leading to a backflow of blood from the heart into the lungs—a problem known as mitral regurgitation. This backflow forces the heart to work harder to circulate oxygenated blood, gradually enlarging the heart and straining its capacity.

In the early stages, MMVD often goes unnoticed, with no visible symptoms. It is commonly detected when a veterinarian hears a heart murmur during a routine examination. As the disease progresses, symptoms such as fatigue, fainting during physical activity, and difficulty breathing may develop. Diagnosis is confirmed using echocardiography, which provides a detailed image of the heart and its function. While there is no cure for MMVD, early intervention and appropriate treatment can slow the disease's progression and improve the affected dog's well-being.

What is TEER?

Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Mitral Valve Repair (TEER) is a minimally invasive procedure that offers an effective alternative to open-heart surgery. Instead of requiring a heart bypass, this procedure uses a catheter inserted through a small incision on the left side of the chest. A specialized device called the V-Clamp is guided to the mitral valve and carefully positioned to bring the valve's flaps closer together. This reduces blood backflow and helps the heart pump more efficiently. TEER not only avoids the complexities and recovery challenges of open-heart surgery but also allows for a quicker and more comfortable recovery, enabling dogs to return to their daily activities sooner.

If your dog has been diagnosed with MMVD or shows signs of fatigue, weakness, or fainting during activities, contact us to schedule a consultation and discuss how we can help your beloved companion enjoy a healthier, more active life.

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