Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University have successfully repaired leaking heart’s valve in dogs using a new technique, marking the first successful case in Southeast Asia and Thailand. The procedure involves surgically repairing the mitral valve in the dog's heart using a mitral clamp, a novel technology.

Mitral Valve Regurgitation or Degenerative Mitral Valve Disease is the most common heart disease found in aging dogs, especially small and medium-sized breeds. While the traditional treatment involves medications, this new approach involves surgically repairing the leaky mitral valve with a mitral clamp through a minimally invasive procedure. This results in smaller incisions and eliminates the need for heart-lung machines, leading to faster recovery and cost savings.

Furthermore, this procedure helps the dog's heart adapt and delays the progression into heart failure, ultimately saving lives. Mitral clamp surgeries have been performed in various countries, including the United States, European countries, China, Japan, and South Korea. However, Thailand achieved its first successful case on January 10, 2024, led by Associate Prof.Dr. Anusak Kijtawornrat, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University along with experts from several animal hospitals included Monster Care Animal Hospital, Motivet Animal Hospital, and Bangkok Heart Animal Hospital. This breakthrough procedure was performed on dogs with Mitral Valve Regurgitation in stage B1, marking a significant milestone for Thailand's veterinary medicine. The team is now preparing for surgeries on dogs in stages B2 and C, affected by Degenerative Mitral Valve Disease, in January 2024.