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Your dog has a heart murmur – what's next?
📞 Book a cardiac examination: 010 739 9130
📍 Sacrum Animal Hospital, Porttisuontie 13, 01200 Vantaa
Quick answer: A heart murmur is a finding, not yet a diagnosis. Further examinations are especially recommended if the murmur is loud, the dog shows symptoms, or if it's a breed predisposed to heart conditions.
A heart murmur can be alarming for owners, but its significance varies. Some murmurs are mild, while others indicate a structural change in the heart that warrants investigation.
When to see a vet?
Contact your veterinarian if any of the following apply:
- The murmur is loud or a new finding.
- The dog has a cough, fatigue, or shortness of breath.
- The puppy is not growing or is lethargic.
- It is a high-risk breed or a breed predisposed to heart conditions.
- Your veterinarian recommends an echocardiogram.
What could be causing the symptom?
1. Valvular disease
In small adult dogs, a murmur may be caused by valvular degeneration.
2. Myocardial disease
In some breeds, myocardial diseases can cause a heart murmur only at a later stage of the disease.
3. Innocent murmur
Puppies may have murmurs that disappear as they grow, but monitoring is important.
What can you do at home?
- Document any symptoms, such as coughing, when it occurs, and any fatigue.
- Avoid strenuous exercise if your dog shows symptoms.
- Follow your veterinarian's recommendation for further examinations.
What happens at the vet's?
A cardiac ultrasound examines the heart's structure, valve function, and any potential changes. The examination is painless.
Sacrum Animal Hospital can help
If you are unsure about the severity of a symptom, it's better to contact us than to wait too long. A professional can help assess whether it's an emergency or if an appointment can be scheduled for an examination.
📞 Appointment booking for cardiac examinations: 010 739 9130
📍 Sacrum Animal Hospital, Porttisuontie 13, 01200 Vantaa
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