OPEN HEART SURGERY PROGRAM
Surgical Repair of the Mitral Valve
The University of Florida Small Animal Hospital offers a highly specialized surgical program for dogs with mitral valve disease, a common condition that can lead to congestive heart failure.

About Mitral Valve Disease
Mitral valve disease (MVD) is a condition that affects small to medium-sized dogs as they age. The mitral valve thickens and prolapses, causing it to leak and leading to heart enlargement and congestive heart failure (CHF). This condition can cause difficulty breathing, coughing, and arrhythmias. Small-breed dogs, such as Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, dachshunds, Malteses, poodles, and chihuahuas, are most prone to this condition.
MVD is the most common heart disease in dogs, affecting millions in the United States. The disease usually progresses slowly over years, but in a small proportion of dogs it can progress rapidly.
Diagnosis and Treatment
MVD is characterized by a left-sided heart murmur that is heard with a stethoscope. An echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart) can be performed to confirm the diagnosis, determine if other valves are affected, assess heart muscle pumping function, and determine if the heart is enlarged. Chest X-rays show the degree of heart enlargement and are important to determine if congestive hear failure (CHF) is present, especially if affected dogs have cough or difficulty breathing.
Many dogs with MVD do not develop symptoms and can lead normal lives with regular monitoring. Mild cases may not require medication, while more severe cases may require medications to slow disease progression, reduce symptoms, and manage CHF. The average survival time with medical therapy is about one year. In some cases, a new device called the V-clamp can be used to repair the valve. Surgical repair may also be an option for some cases – this option is a more definitive treatment with longer survival times.
Surgical Program Overview
The Open Heart Surgery Program at the University of Florida Small Animal Hospital is one of the few veterinary surgery centers in the United States that offers open heart mitral valve repair surgery for dogs. This complex procedure requires a skilled surgeon to repair the mitral valve using cardiopulmonary bypass.
Click the button below for frequently asked questions regarding mitral valve disease and surgery.
Eligibility Requirements
Dogs with advanced degenerative mitral valve disease (ACVIM Stages C and D, as well as advanced Stage B2) will be considered for open heart mitral valve surgery on a case-by-case basis after preoperative testing is evaluated by our team.
Dogs that are more than 14-years-old and/or dogs with significant underlying health concerns (i.e. significant kidney or liver disease, coagulation disorders) are not eligible for this surgery.
Steps to Begin the Process to Determine Surgery Eligibility
STep 1
Referring Veterinarian Mitral Valve Surgery Consult
If your referring veterinarian has recommended open heart surgical mitral valve repair for your dog, please have them complete the consult form by clicking below.
Please allow up to 10 weeks for the Open Heart Surgery Program to review the submission form and supporting records to determine eligibility. We receive many submissions and want be able to discuss each case with the entire team.
Step 2
Owner and Team Meeting
After the consult form and clinical information is reviewed and the patient is deemed eligible, an online meeting with the owner and the surgery team will be scheduled to discuss the risks and benefits of open-heart mitral valve repair surgery, as well as, the preparation process, details about the surgery, prognosis, and follow-up appointments.
At this time, the owner will determine if they would like to move forward with the procedure.
STEP 3
Surgery is Scheduled
After the owner decides to move forward with surgery, a surgery date will be scheduled. At this time, the owner will make a $500 deposit to secure the date of surgery. This deposit will go towards the full cost of surgery (estimated cost is $45,000-$50,000).
Please understand that current surgical slots are about 1 year out from the referring veterinarian consultation request submission date.
Pre-Surgery Testing
Before your dog undergoes surgery, several tests need to be performed to ensure they are healthy enough for the procedure. These tests can be done at the University of Florida Small Animal Hospital or at a specialty hospital near you.
The following tests must be completed 2-6 months before surgery:
- Abdominal Radiographs (X-rays)
- Abdominal Ultrasound
- Blood Pressure Test
- Blood Typing
- Chemistry Panel
- Coagulation Profile (PT/PTT/Fibrinogen)
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
- Urinalysis
- 3-View Thoracic Radiographs (Chest X-rays)
- 6-Lead Electrocardiogram
Additional Requirements:
- Veterinary Skin Assessment: A veterinarian must assess your dog’s skin within 2 weeks of surgery to ensure there is no evidence of skin infection.
- Review of Test Results: If the tests are not performed at UF, the test results must be reviewed for eligibility.
Post-Surgery Care and Follow-up Evaluations
Post-operative care typically takes 1 week of inpatient hospitalization. The specific instructions for returning to full activity will be discussed at the time of discharge. Gradual return to full activity is usually recommended by 3 months after surgery.
Scheduled Appointments:
- 2-Week Post-Operation Appointment: A follow-up evaluation will be scheduled 2 weeks after surgery. We strongly recommend remaining in Gainesville for this appointment.
- Follow-up Evaluations: Additional evaluations will be scheduled at 1, 2, 3, 6, and 12 months post-surgery. These can be performed at UF or with your local cardiologist.
- Annual Echocardiogram: If necessary, an echocardiogram will be scheduled after 1-year evaluation.
Medications: After surgery, your dog may still need cardiac medications, as well as additional medications to aid in recovery. The long-term goal is to gradually decrease or discontinue these medications as your dog heals and recovers.
Currently Enrolling Studies
Below are two current clinical studies that cover some costs. Please review to see if your dog is eligible to enroll:
- Effects of afterload reduction with amlodipine in mitral regurgitation severity and Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone System in dogs with Myxomatous Mitral Valve Degeneration
- Tolerability and clinical efficacy of oral potassium chloride for treatment of hypochloremia in canine congestive heart failure
Our Team
Katsuhiro Matsuura DVM, PhD
Margaret Chu DVM, DACVS-SA
Mandy’s Mission
Mandy’s Mission to Mend Hearts, established by a generous donation, is in honor of Mandy, a wonderful Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who lost her battle with Mitral Valve Disease. Mandy’s Mission supports the development of an open heart surgery program at the University of Florida Small Animal Hospital. Donations to this fund will help provide necessary funding to support the program, and the training of our cardiac surgeons to perform mitral valve repair surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass. The high quality care and expertise of the faculty and staff, is vital to ensure a successful outcome. Your support will help with the development and sustainability of this program at UF.