Introduction
A heart murmur is simply an abnormal heart sound produced when the blood flow into and/or out of the heart becomes turbulent. Heart murmurs in dogs can occur for a variety of reasons, and the signs of murmurs are not always evident or easy to detect. In many cases, dogs with heart murmurs show no clinical signs at all, and the murmur is only detected during a routine physical examination, or when the pet is taken to the veterinarian for a supposedly unrelated problem.
Signs of Heart Murmurs in Dogs
When heart murmurs do contribute to clinical signs, it is generally because there is something more serious going on with the animal’s heart and the murmur is a consequence of that underlying condition. As with “heart disease” generally, owners may notice that their pet has an intolerance to exercise, or begins to noticeably slow down in activity levels. Owners also may notice that their dog pants even when resting and that they seem generally uncomfortable or fidgety. If the owner checks the dog’s pulse, they might find that the heart is racing. The dog may also be coughing and may appear “pot-bellied” due to fluid retention in the abdomen.
In some cases, heart problems (possibly suggested by heart murmurs) can be associated with fainting spells or other periods of sudden collapse. This can happen when oxygen is not distributed properly to body tissues through normal blood circulation. If your dog’s gums become pale or even approach blue in color, be suspicious of inadequate oxygen supply and get your pet to the vet. This is cause for immediate concern.
Outlook
If your dog has been diagnosed with a heart murmur, your veterinarian probably will suggest additional tests to check the overall health of the heart, particularly including electrocardiography (an “ECG”). Remember, a heart murmur does not necessarily mean that the heart is in failure or otherwise diseased. Heart murmurs generally cannot be “cured,” as they are not a disease or illness per se, but their effects may be able to be managed with medication, exercise and dietary change.