New surgical option for dogs with heart disease

2xl

right-aligned

TEER Now Available at Bristol Vet Specialists

A pioneering new treatment for dogs suffering from mitral valve disease (MVD) - transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) – has been launched by CVS’ Bristol Vet Specialists (BVS).

The development, in collaboration with the Royal Veterinary College (RVC), marks a significant advancement in the management of canine heart failure and offers new hope for small dogs with advanced mitral valve disease.

Mitral valve disease is the most common form of heart disease in dogs, accounting for approximately 75% of all canine cardiac disease. Around 30% of affected dogs progress to severe mitral regurgitation, heart enlargement, and signs of heart failure, predominantly pulmonary oedema.

Once heart failure is diagnosed, the average survival time is between nine and twelve months, and only one in seven dogs are expected to survive beyond two years. While medication can help manage symptoms well initially, options for dogs with advanced disease have remained limited and outcomes are often poor.

Open-heart surgery using cardioplegia and cardiopulmonary bypass is widely regarded as the gold standard for mitral valve repair, offering survival rates exceeding 90%. However, it is a major procedure with a long recovery period, associated risks of stopping and re-starting the heart, and significant financial implications. For many owners, this option is not feasible.

A minimally invasive alternative, TEER is performed on a beating heart using a specially designed “V-Clamp” device. This device brings the mitral valve leaflets together, reducing the severity of mitral regurgitation. The procedure is guided by real-time 3D echocardiography and performed via a small thoracotomy, typically 6–8 cm in length.

Dogs undergoing TEER generally experience a rapid recovery, with most discharged within 48 hours and minimal need for intensive care. A chest drain is used for 6–12 hours post-operatively, and many patients return to short walks within 24 hours. Clinical outcomes are highly encouraging, with 95% of dogs discharged successfully. Follow-up data shows that 80% of dogs with heart failure signs surviving two years post-surgery. Most dogs require lower doses of medication following TEER, and some can discontinue diuretics altogether.

Kieran Borgeat, Specialist Cardiologist at BVS, commented:

We’re proud to be one of the first multidisciplinary Specialist centres in Europe offering this procedure. TEER represents a significant step forward in the management of mitral valve disease for dogs. Although TEER does not reduce mitral regurgitation as dramatically as open-heart surgery, the majority of dogs will benefit from a significant reduction in mitral valve leakage. While open-heart surgery remains the gold standard, it’s not feasible for every patient due to cost, risk, or recovery time. TEER offers a practical, more affordable, lower-risk alternative - with excellent outcomes for many dogs. We have seen some impressive results so far, and we believe that TEER is a great option to extend life and improve quality of life for a large number of dogs with MVD.

The TEER programme at BVS is supported by experienced TEER surgeons from Europe and Asia during its first year, alongside collaboration with the heart surgery team at the Royal Vet College in London. This ensures that every case benefits from a wealth of international expertise and rigorous clinical oversight. The cardiology team has undergone intensive training and is committed to delivering the highest standards of care throughout the referral and treatment process.

Veterinary professionals can refer patients directly for consultation and heart scan or submit existing echocardiographic images for initial suitability review. The cardiology team at BVS will respond within one to two working days, and will guide owners through every step of the process once a referral is made, from initial assessment to post-operative care. For further information, referring vets and clients should visit the BVS website or get in touch via email.

Bristol Vet Specialists is one of the largest and most advanced animal hospitals in the UK. The 30,000 sq. ft. multidisciplinary hospital has been custom-built with cutting-edge facilities and equipment. It employs some of the most qualified and experienced veterinary professionals in the world and employs a multi-disciplinary approach, with an entire team around every patient to ensure the best outcome. The site has been designed to facilitate the development of new and emerging treatments and offers the latest technology and treatments in all small animal disciplines including soft-tissue surgery, orthopaedics, neurology and neurosurgery, internal medicine, ophthalmology, cardiology, dermatology, oncology and dentistry, as well as dedicated anaesthesia, analgesia, diagnostic imaging and intensive care departments.