Dog has heart murmur

[deicinmerlyn]

Took my 9 year old JR x chi to the Vet today for his annual booster and while doing a health check was informed he had a heart murmur.

Hadn't really noticed any change in him recently apart from one night when it was very hot he didn't seem 'right' but was fine the next day so put it down to that.

Not sure what to expect now. Anyone have any experiences?

 

[Umbongo]

Quite a lot of older animals (dogs/cats/horses etc) do develop a heart murmur so I would not worry too much. Did the vet say what grade it was? They grade them 1-6. If they have not recommended heart scans/ECG/heart medications then sounds like it may not be a high grade murmur and you might just want to keep a closer eye on him. If he does become very lethargic, shortness of breath/coughing or fainting after exercise etc then a pop to your vet just to be on the safe side. If you want to investigate further then do have a chat to your vets about it.

My 11 year old border collie has a grade 3 heart murmur, vet noticed it at a visit a couple of years ago. Vet is not concerned and he still runs about like a loony with no shortness of energy! He also had a full GA and dental this summer with no problems too.

If you are at all concerned then I am sure your vets will be very helpful, it can be very scary when you suddenly find out there is a problem that you weren't aware off, I remember my shock when my vet said during his check over "did you know about his heart murmur?"!

Good luck!

 

[splashgirl45]

my previous lurcher (border collie/whippet) was diagnosed with a heart murmer when she was 5, it def didnt slow her down and she lived to 15!!!!!! just be aware and take him to the vets if you feel he is lethargic or not quite himself, try not to worry, there are lots of dogs with heart murmers who never have any symptoms..

 

[deicinmerlyn]

Thanks both, It was a bit of a shock I suppose. My Vet also said 'did you know he had a heart murmur!' She didn't say what grade it was, but gave me some info if I wanted further investigations.

 

[SadKen]

Mine's got arrythmia, he had an ecg on Monday. I posted about it here too! He has a few beats then misses a couple and his heart is quite slow. Vet says nothing to worry about but we have to watch for coughing and reluctance to exercise, then he may need another check and possibly medication. So far no symptoms, he is the opposite of reluctant to exercise. Vet assured me that there is a lot they can do these days, they just keep an eye on it.

I can really feel my lad's arrythmia now I know what I'm looking for, its very obvious compared to the steady beat of my other lad.

 

[TarrSteps]

The dog I had when I was a kid had one. As she got older she did have some trouble with congestion, developed a soft cough, and was put on a small dose of diuretic, although I'm not sure if this is still common practice. She had a long and happy life, living to 17.

 

[2Greys]

I've been told both my greyhounds have heart murmurs grade 2 I think, its not uncommon in the breed so wasn't overly concerned. they have frequent check ups for blood donation & those Vets have never noticed it. I queried it last time blood bank vet told me they wouldn't use dogs with any cardiac issues like a murmer & she hadn't heard one on either dog, so who knows! I won't worry about unless it progresses.