Chula Vets Achieve Groundbreaking Mitral Valve Surgery in Dogs
For the first time in Southeast Asia, Chulalongkorn University veterinarians, led by Assoc.
Prof. Dr. Anusak Kijtawornrat, have successfully performed a mitral valve repair on a dog, a technique prevalent in human cardiology.
This minimally invasive surgery, which uses a mitral clamp, is particularly significant for the 70-80% of older small to medium-sized dogs suffering from mitral valve regurgitation, the most common canine heart disease.
The procedure, carried out on January 8 and 9, 2024, offers rapid recovery and lower costs, bypassing the need for heart-lung machines while delaying heart failure progression and extending the animals' lives.
Previously implemented in countries such as the USA, Europe, China, Japan, and South Korea, this method is now a milestone in Thailand's veterinary medicine.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Anusak explains that mitral valve disease, which can lead to symptoms like fatigue, coughing, and severe heart failure, escalates with a dog's age. The mitral clamp surgery is available for at-risk breeds, including Pomeranians, Shih Tzus, and Chihuahuas, and requires a team approach.
Dog owners can have their pets evaluated for potential surgery at Chulalongkorn Small Animal Hospital or other participating veterinary hospitals.
Moreover, Dr. Anusak recommends early monitoring for symptoms like unusual fatigue or coughing, as prompt treatment can successfully manage the condition with medication or surgery.
This minimally invasive surgery, which uses a mitral clamp, is particularly significant for the 70-80% of older small to medium-sized dogs suffering from mitral valve regurgitation, the most common canine heart disease.
The procedure, carried out on January 8 and 9, 2024, offers rapid recovery and lower costs, bypassing the need for heart-lung machines while delaying heart failure progression and extending the animals' lives.
Previously implemented in countries such as the USA, Europe, China, Japan, and South Korea, this method is now a milestone in Thailand's veterinary medicine.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Anusak explains that mitral valve disease, which can lead to symptoms like fatigue, coughing, and severe heart failure, escalates with a dog's age. The mitral clamp surgery is available for at-risk breeds, including Pomeranians, Shih Tzus, and Chihuahuas, and requires a team approach.
Dog owners can have their pets evaluated for potential surgery at Chulalongkorn Small Animal Hospital or other participating veterinary hospitals.
Moreover, Dr. Anusak recommends early monitoring for symptoms like unusual fatigue or coughing, as prompt treatment can successfully manage the condition with medication or surgery.
