BluePearl Pet Hospital in Tampa, Florida, has achieved a significant milestone in veterinary cardiology by becoming the eighth hospital in the United States to offer the transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) procedure. This minimally invasive treatment targets mitral regurgitation, a serious cardiac condition common in dogs with chronic valvular disease.
The TEER procedure represents a major advancement in veterinary medicine, offering an alternative to complex open-heart surgery for treating heart valve issues. Richard Stone, DACVIM (SAIM), chief medical officer at BluePearl Pet Hospital, emphasized the significance of this addition: “I am incredibly proud of our cardiology team in Tampa who have undergone specialized training to be one of few pet hospitals in the United States that are able to offer the TEER procedure to pets.”
Understanding Chronic Valvular Disease in Dogs
Chronic valvular disease accounts for approximately 75% of all heart disease in dogs, particularly affecting small breeds weighing under 40 pounds and those over 5 years of age. Miniature poodles, cocker spaniels, miniature schnauzers, Dachshunds, small terrier breeds, and Cavalier King Charles spaniels face higher risk, with the latter potentially developing the condition as early as 2-3 years of age.
The disease, also known as endocardiosis or myxomatous degeneration, primarily affects the mitral valve between the left atrium and ventricle. Degeneration causes improper valve closure, resulting in backward blood flow (regurgitation) that can progressively lead to heart failure.
How the TEER Procedure Works
During the procedure, veterinary cardiologists make a small 2-3 inch incision in the dog’s chest wall under general anesthesia. Using specialized catheter technology, they place a device that connects the edges of the mitral valve, effectively reducing or eliminating leakage. The minimally invasive nature of TEER offers significant advantages over traditional open-heart surgery, including:
Lower invasiveness
Reduced recovery time
Greater cost efficiency
Impressive 95% success rate in animal patients
Bradley Harris, DVM, DACVECC, cardiologist at BluePearl Tampa, called the procedure “a game changer” that can both improve quality of life and extend the lifespan of pets with heart disease.
Following the procedure, patients require up to six weeks of restricted activity and follow-up appointments scheduled up to a year post-surgery to monitor progress.
A Proven Approach in Human Medicine
The TEER technique has been widely adopted in human medicine, with more than 150,000 patients treated worldwide as of 2023. Its successful adaptation for veterinary use represents an important example of how advanced medical techniques can cross between human and veterinary medicine to improve patient outcomes.
For veterinary professionals working with geriatric and cardiac patients, this development offers a new option for managing a condition that significantly impacts many canine patients, particularly small breeds in their senior years.
Source: DVM360