Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Intestinal problems linked to heart valve disease in Chihuahuas
By Araki, R et al.·Published in Frontiers in veterinary science·2021·Yokohama Yamate Dog & Cat Medical Center, Japan·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Intestinal Complication With Myxomatous Mitral Valve Diseases in Chihuahuas.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of Chihuahuas with heart disease known as myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) showed signs of intestinal problems. In this study, researchers found that those with more severe heart disease had higher levels of certain markers indicating intestinal injury. Specifically, Chihuahuas in advanced stages of MMVD had significantly increased levels of intestinal fatty acid-binding protein and lactate, which suggest damage to the intestinal lining. This means that as heart disease worsens, the risk of intestinal complications may also increase. More research is needed to fully understand these connections.
People also search for: Chihuahua heart disease symptoms · myxomatous mitral valve disease in dogs · intestinal problems in dogs with heart failure
Abstract
The effects of cardiac disease on the intestine have been reported in humans but not in dogs. We investigated the effects of myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD), which is capable of causing congestion and tissue hypoperfusion, on the intestine in Chihuahuas, a breed frequently encountered in clinical practice as the preferred breed for MMVD. In this study, 69 Chihuahuas were divided into four groups based on echocardiography and chest radiography: 19 healthy Chihuahuas (H) and 50 Chihuahuas with MMVD classified according to the ACVIM consensus (stage B1, B2, C/D). In all the cases, serum intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (I-FABP) and D/L-lactate concentrations, markers of intestinal mucosal injury, were measured. I-FABP was significantly higher in stage C/D Chihuahuas than in other groups (< 0.05), and stage B2 was significantly higher than H (< 0.05). D-lactate was significantly increased in stages B2 and C/D compared to H and stage B1 (< 0.05). L-lactate was significantly higher in stage C/D Chihuahuas than in any other group (< 0.05), and stage B2 was significantly higher than that in H and stage B1 (< 0.05). Intestinal mucosal injury risk was significantly higher in Chihuahuas with heart failure due to MMVD, suggesting that the risk could increase with worsening heart disease. This is the first study to investigate the intestinal complications of MMVD, and further investigations a needed in the future.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34888377/