Puppy Heart Murmur

roxski · Sep 14, 2015

Hi Frenchie Parents,

I just got home from the vet and was told that my 10 week old puppy has a loud heart murmur. I immediately got online to research heart murmurs. This scares me. What can you all tell me of heart murmurs and/or yours and puppy's experience? Please help!?

ray:

PugandTwoFrenchies · Sep 14, 2015

I used to have a pug that had a heart murmur, and it didn't seem to affect her much. I remember when she had to go for any type of surgery, that her heart had to be monitored a little more vigilantly, but other than that I didn't even know she had one.

I'm sorry that I'm not much more help.

I suppose it has to do with the severity of it? Many people/dogs have heart murmurs and lead normal lives. Did the vet say that your pup was at higher risk for anything, or that it was just there?

Frenchie Mommy · Sep 14, 2015

I used to have a Boston Terrier that had a heart murmur...didn't slow him down at all. He crossed over the rainbow bridge at 14 years old. I hope your baby is ok...but usually it's not a big deal unless they say it's something more.

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Alice Kable · Sep 14, 2015

I am so sorry. I have not experienced this, but it may put your mind to rest to talk it over with your vet.

blushy · Sep 14, 2015

There are different ratings from what I've known. 1-4. 4 is worst.

I had a friend with an English bulldog with a 4, and he passed away at 3, his heart just couldn't take it. But this is not always the case with all dogs.

Chiana · Sep 15, 2015

Oh, I'm so sorry to hear this. My advise would be to talk with your vet again as soon as possible.
Ask a lot of questions; the severity of the murmurs, does it need medication, does it cause any other limitations etc. what ever comes to mind.

You feel much better when you are truly on top of things. I personally cope the worst with uncertainty.
Internet is a good place to find info, but for any health/medical advises it is much safer to see a professional. Then you can discuss specifically of your puppy and his condition.

Wishing you the best of luck and hoping to hear some good news soon! Keep us posted!

Tgirl · Sep 15, 2015

I agree that the severity of it will determine how it affects him. I would talk to the Vet more about it. If they said it was loud, it's probably a higher grade murmur.

roxski · Sep 16, 2015

Thank you everyone for the responses. The vet did not tell me a grade level, just that it was loud. He was nonchalant about it. I did ask if I should be worried and if there was anything I needed to do. He said there is nothing to do and that he could still live a long and healthy life and as long as he is energetic and not getting unusually tired, he isn't affected by it. I will be taking him back to the vet in a few weeks, so I will ask him more about it then.

blushy · Sep 16, 2015

roxski said:
Thank you everyone for the responses. The vet did not tell me a grade level, just that it was loud. He was nonchalant about it. I did ask if I should be worried and if there was anything I needed to do. He said there is nothing to do and that he could still live a long and healthy life and as long as he is energetic and not getting unusually tired, he isn't affected by it. I will be taking him back to the vet in a few weeks, so I will ask him more about it then.

The bulldog I mentioned above got severely exhausted from his, was very lazy because of it, and would even overheat and pass out in the summer months.

Loud usually means 3-4 grade. Quiet is 1-2. And it's true that even with a 3-4 they can live great lives, you should always just monitor activity and don't let your dog run like they're crazy and get their heart rate going.

I hope the vet can tell you more next visit.

My moms cat had a grade 2, soft heart murmur and his heart was fine beside that.

roxski · Sep 16, 2015

blushy said:
The bulldog I mentioned above got severely exhausted from his, was very lazy because of it, and would even overheat and pass out in the summer months.

Loud usually means 3-4 grade. Quiet is 1-2. And it's true that even with a 3-4 they can live great lives, you should always just monitor activity and don't let your dog run like they're crazy and get their heart rate going.

I hope the vet can tell you more next visit.

My moms cat had a grade 2, soft heart murmur and his heart was fine beside that.

Thank you so much for the feedback. I am definitely paying close attention. He is very active and energetic right now. I plan on monitoring his weight throughout his life and he will maintain proper exercise, so he won't be overweight, which could obviously have an impact on his health regardless of his heart murmur.

turbodave · Sep 16, 2015

roxski said:
Thank you so much for the feedback. I am definitely paying close attention. He is very active and energetic right now. I plan on monitoring his weight throughout his life and he will maintain proper exercise, so he won't be overweight, which could obviously have an impact on his health regardless of his heart murmur.

You might want to think about a second opinion... just sayin'