I have a 8 year old Papillon/Pom
2007-07-25 12:29:22 · 9 answers · asked by tjanet23 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
When we first got our dog 13 years ago we were told by the Vet that she had a heart murmur, she was fine up to about 2 weeks ago we noticed that she was having alot of trouble breathing and she would gag from time to time, her eating habits were fine and we didnt notice any other changes other than her gaging and heavy breathing. Well yesterday she was getting worse to the point that she would lay down and not move and breath very hard, so I took her to the vet and unfortunatly there was nothing they could do she died on the table. Our family is devestated, but the vet said that it was just her time to go. She said what happens in time is that the heart starts to reverse itself and pump blood back into the lungs and that was what was causing her lungs to work overtime and eventually caused her death. I look back and think that there was maybe something that I could have done sooner, but evertime that we would take her in for her yearly shots the Vet would say that she was fine but always reminded us of her heart murmur. So to answer your question yes it can be dangerous as time goes on.
2007-07-25 13:15:13 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
This could be serious. Did the vet tell you what stage heart murmur it is? If it's a stage one, I wouldnt be too concerned right now, but if it is a stage three, thats pretty serious. I'm sure your vet would have put your pet on heart meds (enalapril, furosemide) if it was a stage three. So I wouldnt worry too much about it now. It is important to bring your pet in for yearly exams now, so that each year the vet can check the heart and make sure the murmur hasnt gotten any worse. Later on down the road if your pet ever needed surgery it might have a harder time with the anesthetic, but that should be brought up to the vet at the time of the surgery.
2007-07-25 12:38:04 · answer #2 · answered by apha_barrelracer 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The vet should have educated you on this. It can be serious depending on the severity of the murmur. A heart murmur is when blood is allowed to flow through the valves back into the heart after being pumped out. It makes the heart have to work much harder just to do its job.
Talk to the vet becuase depending on how bad it is and the general health of the dog, they may recommend rest, or some will recommend excercise to strengthen the heart.
Make sure you are feeding a good quality food. http://www.dogfoodanalysis.com/dog_food_reviews/
With a heart murmur, he needs all the nutrients he can get.
Dogs with heart murmurs can live long happy lives, but you need to make sure you know a lot about it to help keep him healthy.
2007-07-25 12:35:26 · answer #3 · answered by Shanna 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
The vet told me the same thing. He said most puppies are born with a heart murmur and it should go away by age one. I asked if it was serious and he said as long as my dog seemed normal, ate healthy and drank water, and also had a normal energy level and didn't seem to get too tired when playing (depending on age) then he would be fine. He also said that they would listen to his heart more carefully during routine vet visits to see if it sounds any different. The vet said as he got older it may cause some complications and he may have to be put on a medication, but not necessarily.
2007-07-25 12:49:56 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Not necessarily--people have heart murmurs quite often that aren't cause for much concern.
If the doc didn't prescribe anything or put restrictions on diet/behavior, ask to be sure, but it's probably not serious.
I mean, if it were, I'm sure the doc would've given you more info or meds or something. Told you something further.
Heart murmurs are generally when the valves are weak/damaged and the blood doesn't flow properly (kind of like a pipe with a slight leak.)
If it's minor, it's not nothing, but it's not a big deal. It's basically just something to watch out for, even in humans.
I mean, ask the vet to be sure, but it's probably not that serious. Ask if you should restrict the dog's exercise or anything like that.
2007-07-25 12:35:15 · answer #5 · answered by SlowClap 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I have a heart murmur I was born with it. It is an irregular heart beat. It can be fatal , especially if it is never diagnosed. You are probably to young to remember the college basketball player who died during a game, dropped dead in a second, with a heart murmur he and his family was unaware of.
The good news is, he can lead a long and full life as long as you take some precautions. His heart will never be as strong as it should, so avoid activities like running or skateboarding and biking with him. He will not be able to tolerate being out in the heat for long either. Taking long walks with him, preferably early in the morning or evening as it becomes cooler, will give him the exercise he needs. It is also crucial not to allow him to become overweight as that puts an additional strain on his heart.
You and your pet can have a long and happy life together. I will be 49 in September!!!!
2007-07-25 12:40:06 · answer #6 · answered by Darla G 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't think it's too serious, but didn't you ask the vet?
2007-07-25 12:37:52 · answer #7 · answered by soulguy85 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
what a bad vet. he/she shoulda gave you more information, instead of you login on yahoo answers.
2007-07-25 12:49:48 · answer #8 · answered by Miss Raw 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
dead right its serious your dog needs its heart to live
2007-07-25 12:36:53 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 5⤋