Heredity on the Cardiovascular System in Dogs: Mitral Valve Insufficiency and the King Charles Dog

This review addresses the genetic basis of cardiovascular disease in dogs, with a particular focus on mitral valve insufficiency (MVI), which is common in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed. MVI is a common degenerative heart disease, especially in small breed dogs, which progresses with age. Genetic predisposition plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of heart disease, and is also important for both early diagnosis and long-term treatment strategies. In the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed, polygenic inheritance and loci identification have been reported to be associated with early onset of the disease. In this study, the stages and clinical, echocardiographic and radiologic findings of MVI were detailed in line with the classification systems proposed by ISACH and ACVIM, and also modern diagnostic methods and clinical use of biomarkers were discussed. In addition, the contribution of proteomic research to the understanding of cardiac pathophysiology was emphasized and its relationship with platelet function and coagulation processes in heart failure was evaluated. In conclusion, it is suggested that further studies at the genetic and molecular level will provide innovative approaches in the fields of diagnosis, treatment and preventive medicine in veterinary cardiology practice.