We’re proud to announce a groundbreaking new service for dogs with mitral valve disease (MVD): Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair (TEER) is now available at Bristol Vet Specialists.

MVD affects many small and medium-sized breeds and makes up about 75% of all the heart disease we see in dogs. For those in the earliest stages of the disease, medication can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. But for dogs with advanced disease or signs of heart failure (Stage C MVD), options have been limited – until now.

Dogs that are managed with medication alone can expect a 15% survival rate after two years. Open-heart surgery increases this to over 90% in some centres, and is widely acknowledged to be a gold standard treatment for MVD, but is a major surgery that can have a long recovery phase and is not without risk.

For suitable cases TEER can offer a minimally invasive alternative, which is priced at a more practical level for many owners. Although the mitral valve leak is not reduced as much as for most bypass surgery cases, recovery time is significantly shorter and expected lifespan is greater than for medical heart failure treatment alone.

What Is TEER?

The TEER procedure is performed on a beating heart and uses a specially designed “V-Clamp” to bring the mitral valve leaflets together, reducing the severity of mitral regurgitation. The procedure is guided by real-time 3D echocardiography, allowing precise placement and immediate assessment of effectiveness.

TEER is performed via a small thoracotomy (6–8 cm incision). After surgery, patients typically have a routine recovery, with a chest drain for 6-12 hours, and minimal need for ICU care. Almost all dogs are discharged by 2-days post-procedure.

Clinical Outcomes and Evidence

• 95% of dogs are discharged successfully after TEER with reduced mitral regurgitation severity.
• 80% of dogs with heart failure signs (Stage C MVD) are alive two years post-surgery.
• Compared to medical management alone (15% survival at two years), TEER offers a significant improvement in longevity.
• Most dogs require lower doses of medication after TEER, and some can stop diuretics altogether.

While TEER is lower risk than open-heart surgery, there is a 5% chance of a major adverse event in the first 48 hours post-op. However, our team has undergone intensive training and is supported by experienced TEER surgeons from Europe and Asia during our first year of offering this procedure. For our first year, we are also collaborating with the heart surgery team at the Royal Vet College so that we can make sure every patient is supported by our collective experience to make the best decisions we can.

What Does This Mean for You and Your Dog?

Whilst open-heart surgery remains the highest standard of care for MVD, TEER is a good alternative option, with positive outcomes for most dogs. This is a significant step forward from medical management of dogs with MVD and heart failure where they are treated by medication alone, and it represents a lower risk and cost effective alternative to open heart surgery.

We understand that choosing a surgical procedure for your pet is a big decision. That’s why our cardiology team will guide you through each step, from initial consultation to post-operative care.

Costs and Referral Process

• TEER surgery at BVS is priced at £12,000, significantly less than open-heart surgery (£23,500)

If your dog has already seen a cardiologist, ask them to send us the images from their heart scan so that our Heart Team can perform an initial review of suitability. If not, your first opinion vet can refer you directly to us for a consultation and heart scan.

Take the Next Step

If you want to request further information and would like to learn more or investigate whether TEER is a good option for your dog, we’re here to help.

You can request a referral from your first opinion vet. Our team will respond within 1-2 working days.

Please email us on [email protected] with any questions you may have regarding the procedure.