In August 2023, the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine launched an open heart surgery program for dogs, becoming the only program of its kind in the United States through offering the complex procedure known as mitral valve repair. As the program approaches its first anniversary, it continues to thrive and stands as a shining example of the college’s strategic vision of transformation through innovation.
Offered through the college’s Small Animal Hospital, this program offers hope for pet parents whose animals would otherwise succumb to degenerative mitral valve disease, a devastating disease and the most common heart condition in canines. Dozens of animals have now received this procedure at the University of Florida (UF) and have gone on to resume normal lives.
The program’s success hinges on the expertise of Katsuhiro Matsuura, DVM, PhD, a skilled veterinary cardiac surgeon who joined UF’s faculty in July 2023. Dr. Matsuura brought with him a wealth of experience from Japan, where he performed over 100 successful mitral valve repairs with a remarkable 90% success rate.
Dr. Matsuura’s addition to the team exemplifies its commitment to bringing world-class talent to UF, say program administrators, who add that his expertise has allowed the college to offer this life-saving procedure right here in the United States, eliminating the need for pet owners to seek treatment overseas.
The innovation involved in mitral valve repair surgery extends beyond the surgical technique itself. The program’s success relies on unprecedented collaboration across multiple veterinary specialties. Teams from cardiology, anesthesiology, perfusion, intensive care, and surgery have been trained to work in seamless coordination, showcasing UF’s ability to foster interdisciplinary cooperation in pursuit of excellence.
This collaborative approach has yielded impressive results. In its first year, the program has performed 3 to 4 surgeries per month, significantly improving the quality of life for these dogs with mitral valve disease. By reducing mitral regurgitation, the surgery often allows dogs to discontinue medication, with their lifespan then determined by age and noncardiac conditions. In addition to the transformational effect on the lives of dogs undergoing surgery, the impact of this program reaches far beyond individual patients.
By combining cutting-edge surgical techniques with collaborative healthcare delivery and with the initiation of a fellowship program to train other veterinarians, UF is contributing to the broader field of veterinary cardiology, paving the way for similar programs at other institutions. Moreover, the research opportunities arising from this program promise to advance our understanding of canine heart disease and its treatment.
The program solidifies the college’s position as a leader in veterinary medicine and demonstrates the profound impact that innovative thinking can have on animal health and welfare.