[children11]

Our dog is about 10 years old. She's 30 lbs and a mix breed (golden retriever/sheltie we think). I took her to the vet for something on her eye. 1 of our vets (there's 3 in the office) said she heard a heart murmur (left side was louder than the right side).

She's the only one who ever heard it. Our dog was just in for her vaccinations and our regular vet didn't hear anything.

A couple years ago, she had a tumor on her spleen which was removed. She had emergency surgery.

In Feb 2011, she had bloat. We think because her spleen was removed, it gave the stomach more room to move around. She had emergency surgery.

She came through both surgeries great. No problems.

She just had her teeth cleaned in June 2011 and everything was fine.

She doesn't have any symptoms of heart problems that I can see. She does pant a lot but I think it's because it's hot.

We're taking her in for an echocardiogram.

How serious is a heart murmur?

Is it treatable?

Can she still live a normal long life with a heart murmur?

Is it a good sign that because she did great with all her surgeries, there's a good chance her heart is fine?

Can a heart murmur not be there one day and then it's there the next day?

Any information will be appreciated because she's my baby and I'm nervous about this test.

Thank You,

Bernice

 

[children11]

Aw I'm sorry to hear about the murmur. I don't know about them or treatment for them.. I think though that it's best to talk to your vet about chances of recovery, just because she was fine through her previous surgeries DOES NOT mean she will necessarily pull through without problems this time. I'm sorry to say, senior dogs can go downhill so fast. Something may inhibit her chances of a safe recovery. Now, that's not to say she won't!! But only you and your vet can decide if it's the right path to take. I wish her a full and speedy recovery

Thank you. Came back from having the echocardiogram for our Maggie. Her heart murmur is a grade 3. She has Mitral Valve Regurgitation which is secondary to Endocardiosis.


He said as of right now she has a mild to moderate case. No medication as of right now. She can continue to do her regular routine. No diet restrictions but avoid high salt foods. I don't give her much people food. She's on dog food (dry and wet) and dog treats.


He wants us to check her resting respiratory rate when she sleeps. Her respiratory rate should be 20-30 breaths per minute. If it's higher or she showing signs of not acting herself, I need to call him.


He also said some cases this will get worst to where she will need medication but it other cases it will stay the same and won't get any worst and can live a longer life which is what we're hoping for.


He did bloodwork taht he send out. 1 to check for normal (liver, kidneys, etc) and another one to check stuff to do with her heart.


Her xray she had in June looks good. He wants to see her in 6 months unless things change with her.


Bernice

 

[children11]

Aww enjoy your time with your beloved dog. It can be hard to watch them go downhill like this. I hope she remains a grade 3 and does not get worse

Thank you

Bernice

 

[children11]

The vet said if it doesn't get worst, Maggie can live a long happy life.

I asked him if there's anything I can do or shouldn't do to keep this from getting worst? He said no, she has a mild case and we just need to keep an eye on it and hope it doesn't get worst. Our goal is to keep her around for another 4 or 5 years and that's what we're hoping for. Please god, answer my prayers. She's my baby!!

Thank You,

Bernice