The British Veterinary Centre in Abu Dhabi has announced a milestone achievement as the first facility in the Middle East and North Africa region to perform canine mitral valve repair surgeries.
Mitral valve disease is a common heart condition affecting dogs worldwide. Traditionally, medication has been used to manage the condition and delay heart failure.
However, the medication does not prevent decline over the long term.
British Veterinary Centre in Abu Dhabi performs first canine heart valve repairs in MENA region
“We are immensely proud to introduce this advanced and highly successful procedure to the MENA region. Very few facilities in the world are capable of performing this procedure and we can now offer a cure here in the UAE for mitral valve disease. Seeing pets stop medications and regain their energy levels is truly wonderful,” Dr. Martin Wyness, Senior Veterinarian and Owner of The British Veterinary Centre said.
Valve repair surgery provides an alternative to medication. It repairs the damaged valve and allows dogs to live a normal life without the need for long-term drugs.
In spring 2024, a team of seven veterinary professionals at the British Veterinary Centre in Abu Dhabi carried out a series of three repair surgeries. One patient only had a life expectancy of one month without the procedure.
The surgeries were led by Prof. Katsuhiro Matsuura from the University of Florida and Dr. Jose Botte, a senior veterinarian and cardiologist at the centre.
During the operations, a cardiopulmonary bypass was used to temporarily stop the heart while repairs were made. Intensive postoperative care was then provided to the three patients.
The centre reported excellent outcomes for all three dogs, who are now expected to live normal lifespans without medication. The procedures mark a significant advancement in canine heart care for the region.
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