Question

Which of the following cardiac diseases is more frequent in canine?

• A. Tricuspid valve insufficiency
• B. Aortic insufficiency
• C. Bicuspid valve insufficiency
• D. Tetralogy of fallot

Hint:

Acquired mitral valve endocardiosis (bicuspid valve insufficiency) is the "classic" heart disease of small, senior dogs.
It presents clinically as a left-sided systolic murmur loudest over the cardiac apex.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Cardiovascular diseases are common in older canine populations, with acquired valvular disease representing the vast majority of cases.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us compare the frequencies of the listed cardiac conditions in dogs:
- Bicuspid (Mitral) valve insufficiency: Also known as Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease (MMVD) or endocardiosis.
This is by far the most common heart disease in dogs, accounting for nearly 75% of all canine cardiovascular cases.
It primarily affects older, small-breed dogs (such as Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Poodles, and Chihuahuas) and leads to left-sided congestive heart failure.
- Tricuspid valve insufficiency: Can occur concurrently with mitral disease, but isolated tricuspid disease is much less frequent.
- Aortic insufficiency: Relatively rare in dogs, usually secondary to infective endocarditis.
- Tetralogy of Fallot: A congenital heart defect that is rare compared to acquired valvular diseases.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Thus, the most frequent cardiac disease in the canine population is bicuspid (mitral) valve insufficiency.