What is the TEER Procedure For Pet Owners?

Chronic Valve Disease (CVD) is the most prevalent heart condition in dogs, particularly affecting small to medium-sized breeds. It occurs when the mitral valve, which separates the left atrium from the left ventricle, becomes leaky. This causes a backward flow of blood and leads to congestive heart disease. For more information see our FAQ on Chronic Valve Disease.

Chronic Valve Disease is now treated using the Canine Mitral Valve TEER Procedure. Here’s a simplified step-by-step description of the procedure:

Preparation: The patient is placed under general anesthesia to make sure they don’t feel any pain during the procedure. They are carefully monitored by a veterinary anesthesiologist, cardiologist, and surgeon as well as veterinary technicians.
Access Point: A small incision is made into the chest between the ribs to allow visualization of the heart. Then a small tube, called a catheter, is inserted into the heart. This catheter is like a tiny straw that can be used to guide the repair system across the mitral valve.
Guiding Across the Mitral Valve: With the catheter in place, Sawgrass Veterinary Cardiology uses special X-ray and ultrasound equipment to guide the catheter across the mitral valve.
Mitral Valve Repair: Once the catheter is positioned across the valve, a small device called the V-Clamp is passed through the catheter and into the heart. This device is used to repair the mitral valve. It works by creating a “stitch” or a little bridge that brings the edges of the valve closer together. This helps to prevent blood from flowing backward in the wrong direction.
Monitoring: Throughout the procedure, the veterinary team carefully monitors the dog’s heart function and vital signs as well as the placement of the device to ensure it’s working correctly.
Finishing Up: Once the repair is completed successfully, the catheter is removed, and the access point is closed. The patient is slowly woken up from anesthesia and closely observed as they recover.
Recovery: After the procedure, the patient will need some time to recover. They may stay in the hospital for a little while to ensure there are no complications.

In simple terms, Mitral Valve TEER is like a tiny repair job on a door inside the dog’s heart to make sure blood flows the right way. It’s done with a special tube and some small tools, and the dog is carefully watched to make sure everything goes well. This procedure can improve the dog’s quality of life and is much less invasive than traditional surgery.

For more information and frequently asked questions on Canine Mitral Valve Disease, please refer to our frequently asked questions page on this specific topic.

Potential Benefits of Canine Mitral Valve TEER:

Improved quality of life: TEER can help alleviate symptoms like coughing, fatigue, and labored breathing.
Extended lifespan: Dogs undergoing TEER may enjoy a longer life with a better quality of life.
Minimally invasive: TEER involves small incisions and short recovery times compared to traditional open-heart surgeries.

Post-Procedure Care: Specific care instructions for your dog after the TEER procedure will vary from case to case and may include:

Medications: Your dog may need to take medications to manage heart function and prevent complications.
Follow-up appointments: Regular check-ups with Sawgrass Veterinary Cardiology or your Veterinary Cardiologist are crucial to monitor your dog’s progress.
Lifestyle adjustments: Dietary changes, exercise restrictions, or other modifications to support your dog’s heart health may also be recommended.

Potential Risks:

While TEER is generally safe, it is essential to be aware of potential risks or complications. Sawgrass Veterinary Cardiology will discuss these with you prior to the procedure.

Cost of Canine Mitral Valve TEER:
The overall cost of the TEER procedure can vary but should be between $16,000-19,000. This cost is split into 2 groups or categories. First is the cost of the V-Clamp system which is ~$8500. The second is the cost of the pre-op evaluation, procedure, anesthesia, hospitalization, and follow-up care which is ~ $ 7,000-9,000. The severity of the patient’s condition and other factors may also increase the cost.

Overall it is important to discuss pricing and payment options with Sawgrass Veterinary Cardiology before the procedure.

Note: A detailed estimate will be provided prior to surgery so that the expected cost is known.

Conclusion:

Canine Mitral Valve TEER is a promising procedure for dogs suffering from Chronic Valve Disease, offering an opportunity for improved quality of life and a longer lifespan. If you believe your dog may benefit from this procedure, consult with your veterinarian / veterinary cardiologist to determine the best course of action for your furry friend.