Mitral Valve Disease and Heart Failure, Canine - contd.
Dogs with mitral valve disease have a diminished capacity for exercise and a tendency to cough during exertion. As the heart disease progresses to pulmonary congestion and edema, the frequency of coughing and the resting respiration rate increase. The cough typically is worse at night, in the morning, and during exertion. Physical exam findings may include an audible heart murmur, an increased heart rate, and a decreased or weak pulse.
