Beyond the Clinic - a podcast by and for vet professionals
15 September 2025
17m 41s
Mitral valve disease in dogs: Why early staging matters
00:00
17:41
Beyond the Clinic - a podcast by and for vet professionals
Ela Mederska, a specialist in small animal cardiology, discusses mitral valve disease, a degenerative cardiac disease prevalent in small dog breeds. The disease is categorized into stages A-D. Dogs in stage B2 benefit from Pimobendan, a drug proven to delay heart failure and for this reason early detection of stage B2 is crucial.
For general practitioners, auscultation serves as a primary diagnostic tool, but echocardiography remains definitive. The episode explores practical strategies for diagnosis and highlights the significance of appropriately timing interventions to enhance canine health outcomes and improve longevity.
Our Guest: Ela Mederska DVM CertAVP(VC) PgCert VPS AFHEA DipECVIM-CA(Cardiology) MRCVS RCVS and EBVS Veterinary Specialist in Small Animal Cardiology
Ela graduated in 2013 and spent six years in general practice, during which she completed a Certificate in Cardiology. She then undertook a rotating internship and a cardiology residency at the University of Liverpool. Ela has a strong interest in interventional cardiology and currently works as a referral cardiologist at Blaise Veterinary Referrals.
Our Host: Daniella dos Santos BSc BVetMed FRCVS
Daniella graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2012 having previously obtained a degree in Molecular Genetics from Kings College. She has since worked in first opinion, small animal and exotic pet practices across the Southeast. In 2019, she became the youngest-ever President of the British Veterinary Association, leading the profession through the height of the pandemic. During her time as President, she was instrumental in the association’s Diversity and Inclusion work, as well as the development and launch of the Good Workplaces Policy. Daniella was the recipient on the RCVS Inspiration Award 2021 for her leadership and became an RCVS Fellow in 2021 for Meritorious Contributions to the Profession. She is a trustee of the animal welfare charity SPANA and the PetPlan Charitable Trust.
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Please note that the views expressed by hosts and guests in this podcast do not necessarily reflect those of IVC Evidensia.
Links:
Useful cardiology resources: https://www.iconsultvet.co.uk/resources
For clinical advice and further information about cardiology referral services at Blaise: Cardiology - Blaise Referrals