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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
Veterinary Hospital Sacrum is on call in Vantaa (Porttisuontie 13). We treat acute cases of illness in dogs and cats. See instructions and contact information here.
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