.svg)
📍 Veterinary Hospital Sacrum — Cardiac examinations and ultrasound
“Your dog has a murmur in his heart.”
This phrase frightens many owners during a vaccination visit. However, the murmur itself is not a disease, but a finding that tells us that there is a flow in the heart that causes tinnitus.
What is the cause of the murmur?
The murmur arises from the swirling blood flow.
- Puppies: Puppies under 6 months of age may have a so-called physiological (innocent) murmur, which disappears with growth.
- Adults (small dogs): The most common cause is mitral valve degeneration (valve defect). The flap does not close tightly, and blood leaks in the wrong direction.
- Adults (large dogs): May indicate heart muscle disease (DCM) or valve defect.
Murmur intensity (Grades 1—6)
The veterinarian classifies the intensity of the murmur:
- 1—2: Very quiet, can only be heard with close listening.
- 3—4: Clear murmur, heard immediately.
- 5—6: Very strong, it is felt even in the hand as a “buzzing” from the top of the chest.
⚠️ NB: The intensity of the murmur does not always indicate the severity of the disease. Even a quiet murmur can be a sign of a serious defect, and on the other hand, a loud murmur can be asymptomatic for a long time.
When are further examinations needed?
Just listening with a stethoscope doesn't tell why a murmur is heard or how badly the heart is strained.
Therefore, we recommend ultrasound examination of the heart, if:
- The murmur is intense (3/6 or above).
- The dog has symptoms (cough, fatigue).
- This is a puppy with which the murmur does not disappear.
- This is a breed with a high risk of heart disease (e.g. cavalier, doberman).
Ultrasound is a painless examination that gives accurate information about the state of the heart.
📞 Book an appointment for a heart ultrasound in Vantaa: 010 739 9130
Did your vet hear a heart murmur in your dog? Read when a murmur requires further examination and what a cardiac ultrasound reveals.
Did your dog's tooth break or fracture? Read when a tooth fracture is painful and why a veterinary examination is necessary.
Not all lameness requires surgery. Read the veterinarian's assessment: when rest is enough and when surgery is needed (eg cruciate ligament, fracture, OCD).
Is your old cat losing weight or drinking a lot? Senior cats often suffer from hidden diseases. Read the veterinarian's list of the top 3 most common ailments.
Cardiac ultrasound is a painless and accurate examination. Find out how to prepare for your visit to the Animal Hospital Sacrum and what the study reveals.
Is an old dog “too old” for surgery or dental treatment? Often, untreated illness carries a higher risk than anesthesia. Read the veterinarian's reasoning.