Hearts to Heal: Canine Research with the Power to Impact the Heartbeat of Every Dog
From The AKC Canine Health Foundation
MMVD: A Common Disease with Serious Consequences
Myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD), often called a “leaky heart valve,” is the most common heart problem dogs develop as they get older. It isn’t something they’re born with—it happens gradually over time. About 1 in 10 dogs between ages 5 and 8 are affected, and that number rises to nearly 1 in 3 dogs over age 13.
MMVD occurs when the mitral valve, the heart’s one-way door between the left atrium and left ventricle, begins to degenerate. Substances called mucopolysaccharides—biologic building blocks normally found in connective tissue—start to accumulate, making the valve thick, misshapen, and weaker over time.
As a result, when the heart contracts, some blood leaks backward instead of moving forward as it should. This backward flow creates turbulence, which veterinarians hear as a heart murmur during an exam. Over time, this extra strain on the heart can increase the risk of congestive heart failure.
For many families, MMVD is a diagnosis that unfolds slowly, often quietly, until symptoms become impossible to ignore.
Looking Deeper: A New Therapeutic Target
Diseases as common and impactful as MMVD demand bold, forward-thinking research. That’s where scientists like Dr. Brendan Corcoran come in.
With support from CHF, Dr. Corcoran and his team at University of Edinburgh Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies are investigating a surprising and promising new angle in MMVD—autophagy, the cell’s natural “recycling” process that may influence how the mitral valve degenerates over time.
When Cellular Recycling Goes Awry
Autophagy is the body’s natural recycling system. Through this process, cells break down damaged components—like old proteins and worn-out organelles—into building blocks that can be reused to create new, healthy parts. This ongoing cleanup helps cells stay functional and supports the body’s overall repair and maintenance.
Recent research shows that autophagy is more nuanced than previously thought. In certain situations, it can affect senescent cells—sometimes called “zombie cells” because they stop dividing but don’t disappear. When these cells accumulate, they can contribute to tissue aging and degeneration. Maintaining the right balance between autophagy and senescence is key for keeping tissues, such as heart valves, healthy over time.
Dr. Corcoran’s work highlights the role of autophagy in the development of MMVD. His team found evidence that disrupted autophagy allows “zombie” cells to build up in the mitral valve, speeding its deterioration. Even more encouraging, their study showed that these changes could potentially be managed through targeted gene interventions and therapeutic drugs—opening new avenues for treating this common heart condition in dogs.
The next step is deeper exploration: clarifying how altered autophagy drives MMVD and whether it can be safely targeted as a future therapy.
Why This Research Matters
This work is still early yet its implications are profound. If researchers can better understand and regulate the cellular processes driving MMVD, it could reshape how veterinarians approach diagnosis, management, and treatment of the most common heart problem dogs develop as they age.
For the hundreds of thousands of dogs who will develop MMVD in the years ahead, this research represents something powerful: possibility.
A Month for the Heart
Dr. Corcoran is one of many CHF-funded researchers advancing canine heart health around the world. Throughout February, we invite you to explore the science behind heart disease and the progress made possible by donors who believe in the importance of long-term, evidence-based solutions to advance canine health.
Because when it comes to healing our dog’s hearts, science is the greatest expression of love.
Short URL: https://caninechronicle.com/?p=349974
Posted by Liz
on Feb 11 2026. Filed under Current Articles, Featured.
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