Romeo's Story - Living with MVD

Romeo's Story - Living with MVD

by Sara Baudo

It’s been two years since Romeo (#335) came to GCCR as an “owner release”. His previous owners realized they could not give “Ro,” (as he is known by family and friends) the attention and medical care he needed. There were no veterinary records and his owners had also failed to realize that Ro is deaf. But being rescued by GCCR has meant the beginning of a happier and more stable life for Ro…..

At his intake exam, Romeo was diagnosed with a Grade II heart murmur (VI being the highest). In the Cavalier world, “murmur” can be a scary word, although not uncommon. Mitral valve disease (MVD) is the leading cause of death among Cavaliers according to the website www.cavalierhealth.org. Romeo’s new mommy, Pat Berk, took this news in stride and scheduled an echocardiogram (fancy word for a heart ultrasound) that confirmed the diagnosis.

At that time, Romeo was symptom-free with adequate heart function and he did not require any medication. In September of 2014, Romeo, now seven, met with Dr. Luethy, a Board Certified Veterinary Cardiologist, at the annual health clinic sponsored by the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club of Greater Chicago. This time the news was not so good.

Romeo’s heart murmur had progressed to a Grade IV. This means that the murmur is quite audible and the vibrations can be felt with the fingertips touching the chest (without the use of a stethoscope). Pat was devastated. Thoughts of her beautiful ruby Cavalier, Hope, also a GCCR rescue, flooded her mind. Pat had Hope less than two years when she lost her battle with MVD.

The next few days were tense and tearful while waiting for Romeo’s full cardiac workup with Dr. Luethy. The repeat echocardiogram and other tests showed the left side of Romeo’s heart was enlarged and he had severe mitral valve regurgitation – words no pet owner wants to hear.

Thankfully, there are several medications and supplements available to help our Cavaliers with MVD. Romeo needed something to help his heart pump more efficiently, so Dr. Luethy prescribed Vetmedin. In addition, Ro takes the heart medications enalapril and furosemide. Pat engaged the services of a special pet chef, Lisa Hennessy of Your Pet Chef, to ensure Romeo’s diet is a heart-healthy one and she gives him fish oil and CoQ10 supplements. As a result, Romeo is feeling well and has lost a few extra “love” pounds. Pat also monitors Romeo’s resting respiration rate each day to ensure that there is no acute change in his heart function.

A diagnosis of MVD does not have to be an automatic death sentence. Progression of the disease can be rapid or slow. Regular veterinary care, in addition to yearly heart screenings by a certified canine cardiologist, can assist in early recognition and treatment. For now, Romeo is living the best quality of life thanks to his dedicated mommy, Pat, and her persistence to give him the best possible care. Pat and her favorite redhead are living each day to the fullest and loving every minute they spend together.

January 2015