Dog with heart murmur

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Snuffles

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When 12 year old dog went for his boosters . Vet diagnosed a heart murmur, which was not present a year ago.Mentioned possible medication. He went back today for second part of boosters(something to do with new vac for lepto)saw another vet who checked his heart again and said grade 3 murmur. Then proceeded to tell me that he should go for xrays,ultrasound etc and see a specialist, before he could have medication. £1000 was mentioned, (he is insured) I have been with this practice for 20 odd years but it was privately owned and the owner ( my vet ) retired recently and practice is now part of a chain. I am wondering if they are pushing this treatment on a money making basis or if he really needs it. He also has a lump which has not changed for a year and having an op,or aspiration biopsy to see what it is was also mentioned. Anyone got any experience of Grade 3 and do you think I should change to another practice (which might also be a money making one )
After a large vet bill for Clumber and massive one for Horse I am beginning to get vet fatigue
 
Personally I'd speak to another vet and were it my dog, I'd wonder what the outcome of a battery of tests, drugs and bills would ultimately achieve for a dog at that age, particularly if he was well/happy in himself.
 
CorvusCorax said:
Personally I'd speak to another vet and were it my dog, I'd wonder what the outcome of a battery of tests, drugs and bills would ultimately achieve for a dog at that age, particularly if he was well/happy in himself.
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Another vote for this! As I frequently say, I have extensive experience of CKCS who (apparently) always have congenital heart issues......some are worth helping, some "help" will not actually add any value (i.e. improve the dogs quality of life) at all.....
 
my lurcher had a grade 3 heart murmer for years and showed no symptoms,it didnt stop her hunting for hours ,while i was worrying where she had got to, so if your dog isnt showing symptoms i would leave well alone at that age....
 
I think I will try another vets, have been pondering on changing since my vet retired. Most local vets do seem to be part of groups now. Would my vets release his notes over? insurance company would want these if I do go down this route.

Do you remember many years ago the craze for a pet rock ? Im thinking this will be my next option for future pets !
 
My dog was diagnosed with a grade 3 murmur years ago and the vet was very matter of fact in 'it's there but if she is doing okay leave well alone' it's now a grade 5 and she still doesn't need meds, yes in really hot weather she has to stay in the shade and not gad about but no other outward signs. My vet has never suggested let alone pushed x rays meds etc. definately need to find another vet in my opinion.
 
sounds like a vet offering you the option to diagnose, why not ask the vet if that is the only option or what the least invasive options are etc.
 
Without knowing what the issue is, an accurate prognosis and treatment plan can't be come up with. The common heart meds (depending on vet) could be started without this but then they could not even be needed and you end up buying meds that don't change the situation for your dog. I'd try to prevent/limit/delay heart failure personally, as that does have a massive impact on quality of life.

Yes current vets would send over the notes.
 
I have a CKC. He is eight years old. Never had a heart murmur until two years ago, then it went from 2 to a three in About six months. Vet suhhested scans and blood test, and medication. Blood test and scans were £60 and medication £40 per month. He is fit and healthy so I took him to another vet who also said grade 3 murmur. I sort of buried my head in the sand because he has no symptons. When taking our kitten to a different vet(who both vet and receptionist had CKC). We mentioned it to her and she said up until recently advised no medication if dog was fine, but things have now changed and they do advise meds. My daughter also has CKS who has had a heart murmur since baby, vet was less concerned about him as he had always had it. He is 9 with a grade 3, although he is not so sprightly as my dog. Neither dogs are insured, if I thought my dog needed it I would pay but I cannot see anything wrong with him, it is one big dilemma.
 
The opinion seems to be that meds should be given to stop situation worsening, Ive no objection to that but I think I will seek a second opinion about all the xrays/scans/consultant (who is at another practice ) before medication. Having said that I have personally gone through just that with my heart problem !
 
It's what they offer people so I'm not sure why everyone is so surprised they offer dogs it - apart form the fact you have to pay for it which for the OP isn't a probelm as the dog is insured..
 
Why is it that if they offer you all the options for investigation and treatment they are just money grabbing, but if they just say we'll do nothing, they are accused of not being any good.

No win for the Vets I guess :(
 
The way it was put to me it was the only option if I wanted any treatment . I have since spoken to other owners with dogs with similar/same condition who have been offered medication without all the other things, which is why I have queried.
 
CorvusCorax said:
Personally I'd speak to another vet and were it my dog, I'd wonder what the outcome of a battery of tests, drugs and bills would ultimately achieve for a dog at that age, particularly if he was well/happy in himself.
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Third this. Will it change the dog's quality of life? I've long suspected hyperthyroidism in ours, but have never asked for tests.
 
I'd probably ask for a second opinion and go from there, please do update us.

I've been very unfortunate to have to put a puppy through major heart surgery, here's a short overview.
At 8 weeks old a heart murmur was detected, told this was not uncommon at that age and it could go, but they would monitor it.
Second set of vaccinations heart murmur still present, grade 3.
Third set of vaccinations heart murmur still present, grade 3 / 4.
Next check up heart murmur still present grade 3 / 4, referred to specialist.
We didn't hear anything for about a month, chased it up and had an appointment within days.
By the time he saw a specialist he was a 6 out of 6 with the heart murmur and in early stages of heart failure, this was a Friday and he had surgery on the Monday. I'm so glad i chased it up otherwise we would have lost our puppy at 4 months old.
He's now 3 yrs old and a working dog, doing absolutely fab.
There is a possibility as he ages a heart murmur may occur.
 
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