What is AVVI?

Atrioventricular Valvular Insufficiency (AVVI)

As the name suggests, AVVI affects one or more of the heart valves. Heart valves normally form a perfect seal when closed however, in AVVI one or more of these valves “leak,” allowing blood to be pumped backwards. This backward flow creates a noise, called a murmur that your vet can hear with a stethoscope. Listen to a heart murmur.

This is the most common form of heart disease in the dog.

This form of heart disease usually occurs in small- to medium-size dogs. The most susceptible breeds are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Poodles, Schnauzers, Chihuahuas, and Fox Terriers.

Also, male dogs are more commonly affected than females.