Heart Murmur in puppys, is there hope?

Question

last week i purchased a 6 week old puppy and took it to the vet who told me that she has out a 6 level, 1 being very mild 6 being severe she has a 3. Ive gotten mixed info on the web about its seriousness, has anyone had a dog or puppy that has or had a heart murmur, and what happened?

Answer 1

I also just got a new puppy last week, a 10 1/2 week old English Toy Spaniel. When I took him to the vet we discovered he has what she referred to as a significant heart murmur. She had me return for a 2nd visit with a vet who specializes in ultra-sounds ... the 2nd vet did an ultra-sound/echocardiogram and said it is a grade III/IV murmur, the echo results show that measurements are 1/3 to 1/2 what they should be. She said due to his small size and young age it's hard to predict much at this time, and recommends that we do another ultra-sound in 4-5 weeks. Ultimately, she says be sure to let breeder know (which I did), and said best would be to take him to Davis (we live in Central CA) where they'd also be able to confirm whether or not it is a genetic defect from his parents ... if not Davis, to get him in to a Board certified cardiologist.

This puppy has such a wonderful personality that we bonded with him and became emotionally attached right away. There is no way that I would return him for another pup under the breeder's healthy pup guarantee, with his health problems he wouldn't be able to be resold, so he'd be killed. Instead of exchanging him, the breeder agreed to refund my money (w/ proof of health probs from vet) and we are going to give the pup the best life we can for as long as we can. At this time it seems it's a wait and see situation. I'm hoping for the best, but preparing for the worst.

I recently met someone else who said she has 2 dogs w/ murmurs ... one is doing well and is 7 yrs (but vets had said it wouldn't live beyond 3 yrs), the other is messed up and has to have 2 meds, twice a day. So like others have said, depends on individual dog & situation.

My vet was also able to ultra-sound my pups brain (ET's soft spots stay open longer than most dogs), she discovered he is also hydrocephalic (liquid instead of brain tissue in part of the brain) ... however, he seems very bright, alert, inquisitive, and intelligent ... maybe less coordinated than most pups, again she say's too soon/young to predict how it's going to affect him long term.

If anyone has further info/experience on hydrocephalus or significant heart murmuers (especially in English Toy Spaniels), please email me at [e-mail]. Thanks.

Answer 2

As you can see from the answers above, sometimes pups are born with heart murmurs and they're absolutely fine. Of course this does depend on the severity of the murmur.

I've personally heard of dogs being born with a level 5 heart murmur, having surgery, and then recovering somewhat and leading fairly normal lives. Without the surgery they would have died. Some have died in surgery.

Just wait and see. 6 weeks is too young to be taken away from mommy - the heart function may improve. Check with your vet - ask when you should come back for a check up.

Surgeries unfortunately cost a lot of money so if it's something the vet thinks your pup will need, you will have to have a really good think about whether you can afford it, and weigh up the risks and the prognosis etc.

So sorry - I hope she's okay and it all clears up and this worrying is for nothing. *fingers crossed*

Answer 3

My puppy had a heart murmur when I got him (level 1 at 7 weeks) and it disappeared by his appointment at 9 weeks. I would say to wait a few weeks and see if it decreases any. My vet sometimes a valve that should close when they are born doesn't close right away and that causes the murmur, but the murmur will disappear when the valve closes. If your dog still has the murmur at 6 months, I would go to a specialist or at least get a second opinion about the dog. Good Luck!

Answer 4

As in humans, I think it depends on area of murmur. We've been lucky not to ever have this problem. So no expertise on this. I have a functional heart murmur from birth and still no problems with it and I am past 50.

Your vet would be your best source of info on this instead of possibly incorrect info or opinions from the web. It may require more vet visits than normal to keep an eye on her.

But look how lucky your pup is! She got taken to a vet to be checked out. Many, too many never see a vet. And obviously you care. Love and Caring can cure a lot of ills in animals, believe me.

So, work with your vet and ask him the questions. He will advise if she is limited in activity or special precautions needed.

Answer 5

Many heart murmurs are what is refered to as FUNCTIONAL meaning it will not adversely affect your dog. It may even grow out of it. The pup is too young at this time to tell. What you need to do is have an ultra sound and see if blood is passing through the chambers and lungs completing the oxygen cycle. If not than your dog will be deprived of the oxygenated red blood cells required for normal life and activities. Putting the dog down will save it and you a lot of suffering. I wouldnt go to a regular vet but have your vet send you to a specialist. If the ultra sound is inconclusive they may want to do a cardiac cath. Good Luck....Sorry!!!

Answer 6

I would consult with the breeder and see what his/her policy is on returning or exchanging the dog. Even if you do not want to return the puppy, the breeder should know because that is a congential defect and the breeding should not be repeated.

At 6 weeks, it could still clear up, but you should know what your options are. 6 weeks is really too young to be taken from it's mother, so I question the ethics of the breeder to begin with.

Answer 7

I personally was born with a murmur, and I am fine. I"m sure your dog will be fine with periodic check-ups. 6 weeks was too young to buy the puppy though. I really wish people didn't sell poor dogs that young.

Answer 8

I had a mixed breed with a heart murmur--she was fine. Lived to be fifteen. The vet's kept telling me everytime I met a new one, "you know she has a murmur" my answer, she always has and she's doing fine so if it doesn't bother her, it shouldn't bother you...LOL.

If your puppy is growing normally and acting normally then I wouldn't worry so much about it. It's when she's not growing or acting normally to start worrying.

Answer 9

My parents have a beagle who has a heart murmur. He needs to lose weight, but other than that he is quite healthy.

Answer 10

I had a lab with a heart murmer and she lived 16 years with no complications to speak of from it. She died from old age :)