Breed screening for myxomatous mitral valve disease in dogs.

Myxomatous mitral valve disease contributes to cardiac morbidity and mortality in dogs worldwide. It is the most common heart disease in dogs. The exact cause of myxomatous mitral valve disease is still unknown but it is described as heritable in some dog breeds. The present literature review presents an overview of myxomatous mitral valve disease breeding screening methods and ongoing screening programs in dogs.