Maltese: mitral valve disease and feeding for heart health
A Maltese whose vet picks up a heart murmur at a routine visit belongs to a breed for which a genetic predisposition to mitral valve disease has been confirmed by a recent study. Find all our feeding guidance in the dog food section.
What the recent study shows
A study by Lee, Song, Ro, Kang and Park, published in 2019 in the Journal of Veterinary Science, compared the genomes of 48 Maltese dogs, 32 of them affected by degenerative mitral valve disease, to identify chromosomal regions linked to the condition (study on Google Scholar). The authors found a significant association peak on chromosome 17, confirming a breed-specific genetic component behind this heart condition, which is common in small dogs as they age.
Adjusting the diet to support the heart
- A low-sodium diet, treats included, since excess salt promotes fluid retention and places extra strain on an already weakened heart.
- Strict weight control, using a measuring scoop or portion dispenser to prevent the excess weight that adds to the heart's workload.
- Kibble formulated for cardiac support, enriched with taurine and omega-3 fatty acids, worth discussing with your vet once a diagnosis is confirmed.
When to seek help and planning for the budget
A persistent cough, unusual breathlessness or exercise fatigue in an adult Maltese should prompt a cardiology check-up, with echocardiography remaining the reference exam for tracking disease progression. This ongoing follow-up comes with a cost that dog health insurance taken out early can help offset. Find the full breed profile on the Maltese page and browse all our guides on the dog hub.
Frequently asked questions
Does every Maltese develop this condition?
No, the study identifies a genetic susceptibility in the breed, not a certainty that every individual will eventually be affected.
Is a diet change enough to treat the condition?
No, it usefully supports vet-prescribed medication rather than replacing it.
From what age should I start monitoring my Maltese's heart?
A first cardiology check-up around seven or eight years old is reasonable, as this condition mainly affects small dogs as they age.
This guide is part of Planète Pets’s Dogs universe. Our advice is general in nature: for any health concern, your veterinarian remains the only reference.