What Are the Dangers of a Canine's Heart Murmur?

The condition of a heart murmur in a dog is a broad diagnosis; it requires examination and testing by a veterinarian to determine the cause and treatment possibilities. While the presence of a heart murmur can be serious, there are instances in which the condition doesn̵7;t require treatment. Your vet will determine what course of treatment you should pursue for the dog, if any, including medications to drain excess fluid from the body as well as dietary adjustments.

  1. Non-Threatening Murmurs

    • Puppies are sometimes diagnosed with a lower-grade heart murmur. During a stage of rapid growth, puppies, which are extremely active naturally, can cause a strain on their hearts to the point of triggering a heart murmur. If your vet detects a lower-grade heart murmur in your puppy, she may not be alarmed but will keep tabs on the murmur during subsequent doctor visits. Typically, low-grade murmurs in a puppy disappear once a dog reaches adulthood.

    Chronic Valvular Disease

    • Chronic valvular disease affects the valves in the heart, weakening them and preventing them from closing entirely as the heart beats. This allows some blood, which should be pushed forward through the heart chambers under normal conditions, to slosh back into the chamber it was in previously. This condition can be present at birth or can develop later in life. Toy and other small breeds of dogs, such as miniature poodles, Chihuahuas and Yorkshire terriers, are prone to developing chronic valvular disease. If left untreated, eventual heart failure can occur.

    Dilated Cardiomyopathy

    • Dilated cardiomyopathy causes the heart to become enlarged and prevents it from pumping blood efficiently. This condition has a tendency to affect large and giant breeds like Great Danes, St. Bernards and German shepherds. If the condition is not treated, death is certain as diminished heart function can affect other systems within the body like the lungs and the liver, causing the eventual failure of the dog̵7;s systems.

    Symptoms to Watch for

    • If you notice that your dog isn̵7;t as active as usual, pants even when he is at rest, has difficulty breathing, collapses or has fainting spells, the pet could have a heart murmur. Other red flags that could signal heart trouble include pale tongue and gums, and a distended abdomen. Any condition involving the heart should be taken seriously, especially if your dog̵7;s breed is predisposed to heart disease. Early detection and treatment will make your dog more comfortable and extend his life.