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Intestinal Complication With Myxomatous Mitral Valve Diseases in Chihuahuas

R Araki1,2,3, K Iwanaga2, Kazunori Ueda1

  • 1Yokohama Yamate Dog & Cat Medical Center, Yokohama, Japan.

Frontiers in Veterinary Science
|December 10, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) in Chihuahuas can cause intestinal injury, with risk increasing as heart disease worsens. This study highlights the link between canine heart failure and gut health.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Cardiology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Canine Pathophysiology

Background:

  • Cardiac disease impacts intestinal function in humans, but this is poorly understood in dogs.
  • Myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) is common in Chihuahuas and can lead to systemic congestion and hypoperfusion.
  • Intestinal mucosal injury markers have not been previously studied in dogs with MMVD.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of MMVD on intestinal mucosal integrity in Chihuahuas.
  • To assess the relationship between MMVD severity and markers of intestinal injury.
  • To establish a link between canine heart failure and gastrointestinal complications.

Main Methods:

  • Sixty-nine Chihuahuas were grouped by MMVD stage (B1, B2, C/D) and healthy controls using echocardiography and radiography.
  • Serum concentrations of intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (I-FABP) and D/L-lactate were measured as indicators of intestinal mucosal injury.
  • Statistical analysis compared marker levels across different MMVD severity groups.

Main Results:

  • Significantly elevated I-FABP levels were observed in stages C/D and B2 compared to controls and stage B1.
  • D-lactate concentrations were increased in stages B2 and C/D compared to H and B1.
  • L-lactate levels were significantly higher in stage C/D and B2 compared to H and B1, indicating increased intestinal mucosal injury with advanced MMVD.

Conclusions:

  • Chihuahuas with heart failure due to MMVD exhibit increased risk of intestinal mucosal injury.
  • The risk of intestinal complications appears to correlate with the progression of heart disease.
  • This is the first study to demonstrate intestinal complications associated with MMVD in dogs, warranting further research.

Keywords:
ChihuahuasD-lactateintestinal complicationintestinal fatty acid-binding proteinintestinal mucosal injury markersmyxomatous mitral valve disease

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