23 November 2011

Dear Dachshund owners,

The Dachshund is known to be predisposed to myxomatous mitral valvular disease (MMVD) (see attached brochure) and we believed that you really care for your pet! We thus request you to consider to let your Dachshund participate in our echocardiographic trial (ultrasound of the heart).

MMVD refers to degeneration of the valve of the heart between the left atrium & left ventricle which may lead to development & progression of left heart failure.

MMVD is the most common heart disease in dogs comprising 75%-80% of canine cardiac disease. Although MMVD is encountered in all dog breeds, the Dachshund is one of the most predisposed breeds and MMVD has also been found to be an inherited condition in Dachshund. The progression and severity of MMVD in Dachshunds is much less “intense” compared to the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel hence many Dachshunds with MMVD may not show symptoms. Nevertheless, we are convinced that as caring owner/breeder, you will like to know if your Dachshund has a heart disease.

Breeding programs aimed at reducing the prevalence of MMVD in these breeds have been launched in Europe & North America whereby detailed heart auscultation & echocardiography are used for screening before they enter any breeding program. There is currently no screening program available for Dachshunds in South Africa even though it is a popular breed. Hence, at the Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital of the University of Pretoria, we are currently conducting a study to establish normal echocardiographic reference values for Dachshunds.

The ultimate objective of this trial is to establish normal echocardiograhic values for the Dachshund, to assess the prevalence of MMVD as well as to aid in making a breeding choice..

We strongly urge you to participate your beloved Dachshund(s) in this study as this would be a good “once-off” opportunity to assess the cardiac health of your Dachshund for free. This research is funded by the Faculty of Veterinary Science and has been approved by the Animal Use and Care Committee (AUCC) of the University of Pretoria.

Kindly see attached brochure for further information. If you have further queries, you are most welcomed to contact myself or Dr CK Lim at 012-529 8108 or 072-708 4754.

Your support for this study will be greatly appreciated!

Thank you.

Robert M. Kirberger

Professor and Head: Diagnostic Imaging Section
Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies
University of Pretoria

OVAH building 4-16                                     Tel: Number+2712 529 8270                                     Email :Robert.kirberger@up.ac.za
University of Pretoria                                   Fax: Number+2712 529 8307                                     www.up.ac.za
PRETORIA 0002
Republic of South Africa

Faculty of Veterinary Science Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies