Myxomatous Valvular Degeneration (MMVD, 3 variants)

Myxomatous Valvular Degeneration (MMVD; also known as Mitral Valve Disease) is a common heart condition in older, small breed dogs (under 20kg). The exact cause is not fully understood, though an inherited or genetic component is suspected. Mutations in the NEBL gene (Nebulin-like proteins; nebulette gene) are potentially contributing and associated with the condition. This gene is involved in the structure and function of cardiac muscle cells and is therefore involved in muscle fiber stability.
In MMVD, the mitral valve weakens, causing improper closure and blood to flow backward into the atrium (regurgitation). This leads to heart failure over time. The disease occurs more often in males and breeds like Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Dachshunds. Three mutations are tested in this package. Dogs carrying one or more risk alleles at these NEBL loci have been shown to be significantly more likely to develop MMVD and to develop it earlier in life (up to three years earlier in homozygous individuals).

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