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CONTACT US

Phone: 336-751-6201
Fax: 336-751-5965

OUR ADDRESS

1243 Yadkinville Rd
Mocksville, NC 27028

OPENING HOURS

Monday – Friday: 7:30 am – 5:30 pm
Saturday: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm

Degenerative Valve Disease

Within the heart, there are four one-way valves that ensure that blood flows in a forward direction to supply oxygen nutrients to the body. Time and genetic factors may cause these valves to degenerate. As the valves degenerate, the one-way valve begins to leak. The leaking of blood causes a splashing sound, heard as a murmur when your veterinarian listens to your pet’s heart. Some pets with valvular degeneration may show no overt signs of a problem; the murmur may be found incidentally during your pet’s wellness examination. Some pets may develop heart failure over time as the valves continue to degenerate. Symptoms of heart disease include: cough, exercise intolerance, collapse, and lethargy. Diagnosis of degenerative valve disease requires a physical examination and imaging studies (e.g.: chest x-rays, electrocardiogram, and heart ultrasound). Treatment for degenerative valve disease depends on the severity of the condition; the primary goal is to minimize the workload on the heart.