Heart Murmurs in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment (2024)

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Discover the truth about heart murmurs in dogs and how they can affect your furry companion.

Did you know that up to 50% of older dogs may have a heart murmur? Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options is crucial for providing the best care for your beloved pet.

In this article, we will delve into everything you need to know about heart murmurs in dogs so that you can ensure their well-being and happiness.

Let’s dive right in!

Causes of Heart Murmurs in Dogs

Let’s explore the causes of heart murmurs in dogs.

These murmurs can be attributed to structural heart problems, such as congenital heart defects or acquired heart disease.

Additionally, extracardiac problems like anemia, hypoproteinemia, fever or infection, pregnancy, obesity and emaciation can also lead to the development of a murmur in your dog’s heartbeat.

Structural Heart Problems

Structural heart problems can be a leading cause of heart murmurs in dogs. These conditions involve abnormalities or defects in the structure of the heart, which can disrupt normal blood flow and create turbulent sounds.

Understanding these causes is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. A veterinary cardiologist would provide precise and reliable information regarding heart murmurs in dogs, including their causes.

• Congenital Heart Defects: Abnormalities present at birth
• Acquired Heart Disease: Conditions that develop later in life
• Valvular Disorders: Dysfunction or damage to the valves within the heart

Extracardiac Problems

If your dog has a heart murmur, extracardiac problems such as anemia, hypoproteinemia, fever or infection, pregnancy, obesity or emaciation could be the underlying causes.

These conditions can contribute to the development of a heart murmur in dogs.

Anemia and hypoproteinemia affect the blood’s ability to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the body’s tissues properly.

Fever and infection can lead to inflammation of the heart valves.

Pregnancy increases blood flow through the heart while obesity puts strain on it.

Emaciation makes it work harder due to lack of proper muscle mass support.

Symptoms of Heart Murmurs in Dogs

If your dog has a heart murmur, you may notice symptoms such as:

• Coughing
• Difficulty breathing
• Weight loss
• Lethargy
• Weakness
• Fainting

These symptoms can vary depending on the underlying cause of the murmur. It’s important to consult with a veterinary cardiologist for accurate diagnosis and treatment options based on your dog’s specific condition.

Coughing

You may notice that your dog occasionally coughs if they’ve a heart murmur. Coughing is one of the symptoms of heart murmurs in dogs and can be caused by various factors. Treatment options depend on the underlying cause, and monitoring is essential for managing their condition effectively.

Difficulty Breathing

Dogs with heart murmurs may experience:

• Difficulty breathing
• Rapid breathing
• Exercise intolerance
• Collapsing

Weight Loss

Weight loss can worsen heart murmurs in dogs, but it can also help control them.

By managing their weight, you can improve heart murmur symptoms and enhance your dog’s quality of life while prolonging their life.

Lethargy

If your furry friend is experiencing a heart murmur, one of the symptoms you may notice is lethargy.

Weakness

You may notice weakness in your dog as one of the symptoms of heart murmurs.

It’s important to consult a veterinary cardiologist for accurate information and treatment options.

Fainting

If your dog experiences fainting, it may be a symptom of a heart murmur.

Diagnosis of Heart Murmurs in Dogs

To diagnose a heart murmur in your dog, a veterinarian will start by:

• Performing a physical examination
• Using a stethoscope to listen for abnormal heart sounds

If they suspect an underlying issue, they may recommend additional diagnostic testing such as:

• X-rays
• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• An echocardiogram to assess the structure and function of the heart.

A veterinary cardiologist can provide precise information on these diagnostic techniques and their importance in accurately diagnosing heart murmurs in dogs.

Physical Examination and Stethoscope

During the diagnosis of heart murmurs in dogs, your veterinarian will listen to your dog’s heart using a stethoscope. This physical examination allows them to detect any abnormal sounds or rhythms that may indicate the presence of a murmur.

The grade of murmur, ranging from 1 to 5, helps determine its severity and possible outcome.

Regular wellness exams are crucial for catching heart murmurs early on before they progress into more serious conditions like congestive heart failure.

Additionally, monitoring your dog’s respiratory rate is important as rates above 35 breaths per minute can be indicative of underlying heart problems.

Additional Diagnostic Testing

To diagnose heart murmurs in dogs, veterinarians may recommend additional diagnostic testing such as x-rays, an electrocardiogram (ECG), or an echocardiogram. These tests can provide valuable information about the structure and function of the dog’s heart.

Here are four important aspects of additional diagnostic testing for heart murmurs in dogs:

1. Echocardiogram: An echocardiogram is a specialized ultrasound examination that allows veterinarians to visualize the dog’s heart and assess its valve function.
2. X-rays: X-rays can help identify any abnormalities or changes in the size and shape of the dog’s heart.
3. Electrocardiogram (ECG): An ECG measures the electrical activity of a dog’s heartbeat, which provides insights into its rhythm and rate.
4. Pro-BNP Blood Test: A pro-BNP blood test can be used to measure certain markers that indicate stress on a dog’s cardiac muscles, providing further information about their overall cardiovascular health.

These tests play a crucial role in accurately diagnosing and understanding different types of canine cardiac conditions like congenital defects or acquired diseases by assessing valve function along with other vital parameters including breathing rates & weight management contributing towards better treatment decisions whether medical intervention alone would suffice versus surgical interventions if required for long term maintenance needs ensuring optimal quality life standards supporting pet owners’ peace-of-mind.

Treatment Options for Heart Murmurs in Dogs

When it comes to treating heart murmurs in dogs, the approach depends on the underlying cause.

Physiologic murmurs, which are benign and don’t require treatment, can be managed through regular monitoring.

However, if a heart murmur is caused by an underlying cardiac disease or defect, medications may be prescribed along with specialized diets and supportive care to help improve the dog’s quality of life.

Physiologic Murmurs (No Treatment Required)

When diagnosing heart murmurs in dogs, veterinarians may determine that some murmurs are physiologic and don’t require treatment.

Physiologic murmurs are common in puppies and are benign, meaning they aren’t associated with heart disease.

Medications

Start by discussing medication options for heart murmurs in dogs.

One common treatment option is the use of medications. These medications can help manage symptoms and improve the overall function of the heart.

The dosage, frequency, and potential side effects should be carefully considered by a veterinary cardiologist to ensure efficacy and safety for your dog’s specific condition.

Additionally, it’s important to discuss any potential interactions with other medications or supplements your dog may be taking, as well as considering the cost of long-term medication management for heart murmurs in dogs.

Specialized Diets

If your dog has been diagnosed with a heart murmur, specialized diets can be an important part of their treatment plan.

• Low-sodium diets help reduce fluid retention and strain on the heart.
• High-potassium diets support proper cardiac function.
• Low-fat diets prevent weight gain that can worsen heart conditions.
• Taurine-enriched and omega-3 fatty acid diets promote overall cardiovascular health in dogs with murmurs.

Supportive Care

To provide support and improve the overall well-being of your dog with a heart murmur, you can implement various measures.

Medication or surgery may also be options depending on the specific case to enhance quality of life.

Prognosis of Heart Murmurs in Dogs

When it comes to the prognosis of heart murmurs in dogs, there are several factors to consider.

• Physiologic murmurs, which are innocent and don’t require treatment, have an excellent prognosis.
• Acquired murmurs can have a variable prognosis depending on the underlying cause,
• While congenital heart disease often has a grave prognosis.

It’s important to consult with a veterinary cardiologist for precise information regarding your dog’s specific condition and outlook.

Excellent Prognosis for Physiologic Murmurs

Physiologic murmurs in dogs have an excellent prognosis, indicating a positive outlook for their overall health and well-being.

Dogs with physiologic murmurs have normal heart function, experience no complications, and have a good long-term outlook with a low risk of death.

It’s reassuring to know that your dog can live a healthy life despite the presence of a physiologic heart murmur.

Prognosis for Physiologic Murmurs
No Treatment Required
Normal Heart Function
No Complications
Good Long-Term Outlook
Low Risk of Death

Variable Prognosis for Acquired Murmurs

For dogs with acquired murmurs, the prognosis can vary depending on the underlying cause and how it’s managed.

The severity of the murmur, underlying disease or condition, treatment options available, and lifestyle changes implemented all play a role in determining the prognosis.

Additionally, age can also impact the overall outlook for dogs with acquired heart murmurs.

It’s important to consult a veterinary cardiologist for precise and reliable information regarding prognosis based on these factors.

Grave Prognosis for Congenital Heart Disease

If your dog is diagnosed with a congenital heart disease, the prognosis can be grave.

A veterinary cardiologist would provide precise and reliable information regarding heart murmurs in dogs, including their causes.

Congenital heart diseases are present at birth and can have severe implications for your dog’s health.

It’s important to closely monitor their condition and follow appropriate treatment plans to ensure the best possible outcome for your furry friend.

Monitoring Heart Murmurs in Dogs

To monitor heart murmurs in dogs, your veterinarian may recommend an echocardiogram to confirm the diagnosis and establish baseline cardiac function.

Repeating the echocardiogram annually is a good way to monitor progression of the murmur.

Additionally, a simple blood test called pro-BNP can be useful for monitoring as well.

Echocardiogram for Diagnosis and Baseline Function

To monitor heart murmurs in dogs and establish a baseline cardiac function, your veterinarian may recommend an echocardiogram for diagnosis and evaluation.

An echocardiogram is a non-invasive imaging test that uses sound waves to create detailed images of the heart. It provides valuable information about the structure, function, and blood flow within the heart.

The procedure is typically performed by a veterinary cardiologist or an experienced echocardiogram technician.

Echocardiograms can help determine the underlying cause of heart murmurs in dogs, such as congenital defects or acquired diseases.

The timing and interpretation of the results will depend on individual cases.

Annual Repeating of Echocardiogram

When monitoring heart murmurs in dogs, it’s recommended to annually repeat the echocardiogram. This helps track any changes in cardiac function and detect any progression of the underlying condition.

While repeating echocardiograms may incur additional costs, their value in managing heart murmurs justifies their importance for your dog’s health and well-being.

Pro-BNP Blood Test for Monitoring

To monitor the progression of heart murmurs in dogs, your veterinarian may recommend a pro-BNP blood test.

This test is a useful tool for assessing cardiac function and tracking changes over time.

The pro-BNP levels in the blood can indicate whether there are normal or elevated levels, which can provide insight into the severity of the heart murmur.

The pro-BNP half-life and reference range also play important roles in interpreting the results of this test accurately.

Heart Murmurs in Puppies

If you have a puppy with a heart murmur, it’s important to know that most murmurs in puppies are benign and not harmful.

These murmurs, called innocent or physiologic murmurs, are often outgrown by 6 months of age.

However, if the murmur persists beyond this time frame, it’s recommended to have an echocardiogram performed to determine the cause and prognosis of the murmur.

Most Murmurs in Puppies Are Benign

Most murmurs in puppies are considered benign and will often resolve on their own.

These innocent murmurs, also known as physiologic murmurs, are harmless and typically outgrown by the time a puppy reaches 6 months of age.

It’s normal for puppies to have soft and quiet heart murmurs that don’t require any treatment.

However, if a murmur persists beyond this age, it’s recommended to consult with a veterinary cardiologist for further evaluation.

Echocardiogram Recommended if Murmur Persists

If your puppy’s heart murmur persists, your veterinarian may recommend an echocardiogram to determine the cause, cardiac status, and prognosis.

A veterinary cardiologist would provide precise and reliable information regarding heart murmurs in dogs, including their causes.

Most murmurs in puppies are benign and don’t require any treatment. However, it’s important to monitor them annually with an echocardiogram for proper evaluation.

The pro-BNP blood test can also be a useful tool for monitoring their condition over time.

Prognosis Depends on Congenital Heart Defect

If your puppy has a persistent heart murmur, the prognosis will depend on the specific congenital heart defect present.

The severity of the defect, age of your puppy, and available treatment options such as medication or surgery will all play a role in determining their prognosis.

It’s important to consult with a veterinary cardiologist who can provide precise and reliable information regarding heart murmurs in dogs and guide you towards appropriate treatments.

Types of Heart Murmurs

Let’s now discuss the different types of heart murmurs in dogs.

One common cause of acquired murmur is myxomatous mitral valve degeneration, a condition that affects the valve between the left atrium and left ventricle of the heart.

Congenital Murmur

Congenital murmurs are a type of heart murmur that’s present from birth and can occur in dogs of any breed or size. While most congenital murmurs are benign and harmless, it’s important to have them diagnosed accurately by a veterinary cardiologist who specializes in canine cardiology.

The gold standard diagnostic tool for confirming the presence of congenital murmurs is an echocardiogram, which uses ultrasound technology to provide detailed images of the dog’s heart structure and function.

Monitoring these types of Heart Murmurs may involve repeating annual echocardiograms as well as pro-BNP blood testing, which measures levels of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) -a hormone secreted when there’s abnormal stress on your pet’s cardiovascular system-.

Based on their findings, the veterinarian will develop an appropriate treatment plan tailored to your dog’s specific needs.

In more severe cases where surgical correction is necessary, options such as open-heart surgery or minimally invasive procedures may be recommended by the cardiovascular specialist.

Acquired Murmur

When discussing acquired murmurs, it’s important to understand the different types of heart murmurs that can occur in dogs.

Acquired murmurs are caused by heart valve problems and can lead to congestive heart failure. The prognosis for these murmurs depends on their severity. Treatment with medication may be necessary to manage the condition.

Diagnosis is typically done using an echocardiogram, which provides precise information about the structure and function of the dog’s heart.

Myxomatous Mitral Valve Degeneration

Continuing with our discussion on types of heart murmurs, let’s delve into the common type known as myxomatous mitral valve degeneration, which affects the mitral valve between the left atrium and ventricle.

This condition can cause a variety of symptoms in dogs, including:

• Coughing
• Difficulty breathing
• Weight loss
• Lethargy
• Weakness
• Fainting

Diagnosis is typically made through a physical examination and further testing such as X-rays or echocardiograms.

Treatment options may include medications or specialized diets to manage symptoms.

The prognosis for dogs with myxomatous mitral valve degeneration varies depending on factors such as disease progression and response to treatment.

Innocent or Physiologic Heart Murmurs

If your dog has been diagnosed with a heart murmur, it’s important to understand the different types of murmurs.

Innocent or physiologic murmurs are soft and quiet, often outgrown by the time a puppy reaches 6 months of age. However, if the murmur persists beyond this age, an echocardiogram is recommended to determine its cause and assess cardiac function.

Soft and Quiet Murmurs

If you have a puppy, chances are they may experience soft and quiet murmurs, which are typically harmless and often outgrown by six months of age.

These innocent or physiologic heart murmurs in healthy puppies require no treatment.

So there’s no need to worry if your puppy has a soft murmur; it’s just a part of their development that will likely resolve on its own.

Outgrown by 6 Months of Age

You’re in luck if your pup’s murmur disappears by 6 months old.

Most heart murmurs in puppies are physiologic – soft, quiet, and harmless. These common, normal murmurs require no treatment and are typically outgrown by one year of age.

If the murmur persists past six months, further evaluation with an echocardiogram is recommended to determine if there’s an underlying congenital defect, as some may require surgery or lifelong medication.

But many puppies will outgrow benign murmurs on their own by their first birthday.

Echocardiogram Recommended for Persistent Murmurs

To determine the cause and evaluate the cardiac status of puppies with persistent murmurs, your veterinarian may recommend an echocardiogram.

1. Accurate Diagnosis: An echocardiogram provides precise imaging of the heart, allowing for a detailed assessment of its structure and function.
2. Identification of Underlying Causes: The test can help identify any structural abnormalities or extracardiac issues that may be causing the murmur.
3. Determination of Heart Murmur Severity: An echocardiogram helps assess the severity and impact on overall cardiac health.
4. Tailored Treatment Plan: With this information, your veterinarian can develop a targeted treatment plan based on accurate diagnosis and prognosis.

By conducting an echocardiogram, veterinary cardiologists can provide reliable information about heart murmurs in dogs – from their causes to appropriate treatment options – ensuring proper care for your furry friend’s cardiovascular health.

Management and Support for Dogs With Heart Murmurs

To effectively manage and support dogs with heart murmurs, it’s important to work closely with your veterinarian. A veterinary cardiologist would provide precise and reliable information regarding heart murmurs in dogs, including their causes.

One key aspect of managing a dog with a heart murmur is weight management. Maintaining an appropriate weight can help reduce the strain on the heart and improve overall cardiac health. Regular exercise tailored to your dog’s specific needs can also be beneficial for their cardiovascular system.

In addition to weight management and exercise, diet plays a crucial role in supporting dogs with heart murmurs. Your veterinarian may recommend specialized diets that are low in sodium or contain specific nutrients that promote cardiac health.

Fluid management is another important consideration when caring for a dog with a heart murmur. Your veterinarian may advise monitoring fluid intake carefully to prevent excessive fluid retention or dehydration.

Medications may also be prescribed as part of the treatment plan for managing canine heart murmurs. These medications aim to control symptoms such as coughing, difficulty breathing, or irregular heartbeat.

Remember that every case is unique, so it’s essential to follow your veterinarian’s guidance closely when managing and supporting your furry friend who’s been diagnosed with a heart murmur.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)