Dog Heart Murmur
Dog Heart Murmur

Dog Heart Murmurs and Congestive Heart Failure in Dogs

This can be caused by a change in the heart valves and their function, or a number of other potential causes. Dog heart murmur symptoms may be caused by an abnormal communication between the left side and the right side of the heart. There are a number of things that may cause this, as they may be congenital or present from birth, or acquired which means the heart was affected after birth because of age or disease. There are two types of heart murmurs in dogs, benign murmurs which do not concern the health of the dog, and much more serious heart murmurs which may indicate the development of congestive heart failure in dogs.

Dog heart murmur symptoms may include the following: coughing, bluish tinge to the tongue or gums, fainting, poor exercise ability and labored breathing. Some of these symptoms are suggestive to other health issues that your dog may have. However, the symptoms are similar between benign heart murmurs and the more severe kinds. If you are concerned about your dog's health in the least you should consult your Veterinarian. A few of these symptoms may be missed which includes a bluish tinge to the gums and poor exercise ability. If you suspect that your dog has any dog heart murmur symptoms, development of congestive heart failure or canine heart disease, contact your vet right away for an accurate diagnosis.

There are certain symptoms that indicate your dog may have serious health problems. The best way to identify the source and severity of a dog's heart murmur is to have your dog thoroughly checked out by a veterinarian. However, additional testing may be necessary which may include a heart ultrasound, EKG, blood testing and chest x-rays. The ultrasound may be particularly beneficial because your veterinarian can measure the extent of your dog's heart murmur. It will define whatever the cause of the underlying heart disease may be. It is vitally important to have the cause of your dog's heart condition diagnosed because there are some cases where heart murmurs are treatable either by medication or surgery. Of course, you have to find out beforehand just how expensive various treatments may be so you won't be surprised by an abnormally high vet bill. You may be surprised at the prices some vets may charge.

If your canine has a congenital heart murmur, then surgery may be necessary. On the other hand, you may have to give your pooch certain types of medication as non-congenital heart murmurs are often an underlying symptom of congestive heart failure in dogs. You will not be sure exactly what to do until you have consulted with the right veterinarian and have been given advice as to your dog's health. You should not leave symptoms like these unchecked due to the fact that not every heart murmur is benign and there could be serious changes occurring in your dog's heart.

It is important to share any questions or concerns that you have with your veterinarian, especially when it comes to your dog's lifestyle and physical condition. If you do not feel comfortable with a diagnosis from your general veterinarian, consider seeking out an opinion from a veterinary cardiologist or internist, as these specialized veterinarians have special training and expertise in these and similar problems.
About the Author

To discover out about dog heart murmur symptoms, dog heart disease of various types, and congestive heart failure in dogs, you will discover a wealth of info at HealthyHappyDogs.com



Is it ok to breed my female maltese (she weighs around 7-8 pounds) with another dog when she has heart murmur?

Thanks, just wanted to get some opinions on this.

I would have to firmly suggest that you do not breed your dog. While she may be lovely in every other way (conformationally, tempermentally, etc..), a heart murmur can be a congenital defect in any breed of dog. Toy breeds can have litters as small as a singelton pup to as large as 6+. Imagine being responsible for taking back half or more of a litter 3 years from now, when their buyers find out their precious puppy has a heart defect. Also imagine trying to FIND buyers for puppies when you have to disclose the fact that you bred a dog when you knew she had a heart defect. While honesty is always the best policy, I would never buy from anyone who knowingly bred an unhealthy dog.

The main intent of breeding dogs should be to breed a perfect dog to its standard. This includes one that is free from congenital health and temperment defects. My mother has a retired show dog (Chinese Crested) that is nearly 11 years old. She has a grade 3/6 heart murmur, and while I work at a vet clinic and receive a 20% discount on medications, her monthly theraputic meds cost $45. I urge you to spend your money and time caring for your girl, rather than investing in breeding her and perpetuating her condition. The stress of whelping a litter can kill even a healthy female. The odds of post-partum mortality for your girl would be even higher.

Thank you for asking advice before breeding her! Love her, care for her; inquire with your veterinarian their opinion on spaying her. Depending on her overall health and the degree of her murmur, and the rate it is worsening, spaying her may not be an option as it can be too risky if her condition is severe.



Canine Cardiac Disease How Common Heart Murmurs In Dogs Could Be The Result Of CCD

 


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