Rheumatic heart disease, a common risk factor for valve disease.

The disease and symptoms are similar to progression of acquired valve disease in older dogs.

Follow the provider's treatment recommendations for conditions that may cause valve disease.

Sometimes the cause of valve disease is unknown.

Less common causes of valve disease include tumors, some types of drugs, and radiation.

Follow the health care provider's treatment recommendation for conditions that may cause valve disease.

Degenerative valve disease is the most common form of heart disease in dogs.

If severe, valve disease can cause congestive heart failure.

Various health issues affect this particular breed, most notably mitral valve disease, which leads to heart failure.

Many patients with severe mitral valve disease are not fit enough to undergo open heart surgery.