Bulldogs exhibit the outside appearance of strength and a courageous spirit. They have well-built, solid shoulders and body. Their heads have folds of skin on the brow that carry over into their short muzzle. In spite of their appearance of toughness, however, bulldog puppies can be prone to heart murmurs that must be monitored.
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The Functioning Heart
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Heart murmurs can be detected as young as eight weeks of age. The heart functions because of the pumping of the four valves that open and close and work jointly toward keeping the blood moving in a fluid fashion.
Causes of Murmurs
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A heart murmur is essentially a detectable vibration that has an accompanying slurring sound. It can either be a steady sound or random when the heart beats are heard.The heart murmurs can be caused by heart valve disease, anemia or a birth defect.
Heart Murmur Ratings
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Heart murmurs have varying levels of severity that are measured on a scale from one to six. A heart murmur may be detected in a bulldog puppy up to 10 weeks of age that is rated on the lower end of the scale. Many times this is considered harmless and may subside by the time he is 12 to 18 weeks old.
Diagnosis
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If the murmurs are rated on a higher level (three and up), there is a possibility of a more serious condition. This would warrant a vet's attention. A cardiac ultrasound is the most efficient means for diagnosing the heart murmur.
Treatment
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Treatment may not be necessary because the bulldog may grow out of it. However, if it is a more serious issue, surgery may be necessary to repair the mitral valve in the heart.
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