Mitral Valve Disease and Heart Failure, Canine - contd.

Prognosis
The prognosis for a dog with mitral valve disease is poor. However, some dogs may be managed with medications for a period that varies from case to case. The long-term prognosis depends on how early the disease is diagnosed and how an individual dog responds to medication. Some dogs may live as long as four years or more after first showing signs of heart disease. The prognosis for a dog in an acute crisis depends on the severity of its condition and the speed with which the animal is treated.