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