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If your dog is diagnosed with a heart murmur, Royal Veterinary College experts are here to help.

The mitral valve clinic at the Beaumont Sainsbury Animal Hospital is open on Thursdays and is run by a veterinary cardiologist with a special interest in the natural history of mitral valve disease in dogs.

Participating dogs benefit from free comprehensive monitoring of their disease by cardiology specialists, including a full clinical examination, blood and urine tests, an ECG and an ultrasound of their heart, typically, every six months.

*Prescribed medications and additional investigation charges apply.

Our team is happy to see dogs that meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Any dog over seven years of age, but weighing less than 20kg, with no other significant health problems
• Cavalier King Charles spaniels (CKCS) over five years of age, regardless of whether they have a heart murmur or not
• Any dog with suspected mitral valve disease (this is usually a heart murmur detected by your vet)

What next?

This is a long-term study programme in which we assess dogs with mitral insufficiency, to determine whether and to what extent the disease is progressing. Our research is trying to improve on ways to identify or predict cases where the disease is likely to progress to the point where clinical signs will develop.

The mitral valve clinic does not take over responsibility for treatment of your dog’s mitral valve disease but can offer advice to your vet to help manage the condition.