Heart Murmurs In Dogs | How To Identify Them
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Dr. Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in companion animal practice. In 1987 she graduated from the University of Glasgow, with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She works at Blythwood Vets and the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA). Pippa is an advocate of Fear-Free Practice, an animal addict, and a veterinary writer. She is also w...
Veterinarian
UPDATED: Jan 8, 2024
Pet Insurance U receives compensation from the third parties included on this site. This includes payment for clicks from our site to insurance providers’ sites and quote requests generated. Our rankings and reviews are not affected by payments from the insurance companies. The compensation we receive allows the site to be free and regularly updated. Our goal is to review every pet insurance provider, but not all companies are listed on the site.
And many of the companies we review do not pay us anything. We simply rate, compare and review their plan because we feel it will be valuable to you. Our reviews are guaranteed to be unbiased, professional and advertising compensation does not influence rankings.
We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about pet insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything pet insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by pet insurance experts.
UPDATED: Jan 8, 2024
Pet Insurance U receives compensation from the third parties included on this site. This includes payment for clicks from our site to insurance providers’ sites and quote requests generated. Our rankings and reviews are not affected by payments from the insurance companies. The compensation we receive allows the site to be free and regularly updated. Our goal is to review every pet insurance provider, but not all companies are listed on the site.
And many of the companies we review do not pay us anything. We simply rate, compare and review their plan because we feel it will be valuable to you. Our reviews are guaranteed to be unbiased, professional and advertising compensation does not influence rankings.
On This Page
Does your dog have a history of heart murmurs? Seeing symptoms that makes you think they may have a heart condition? Stop worrying and have your pet undergo an echocardiogram.
If your dog has a heart condition of any kind or even a heart murmur, your vet will most likely recommend an echocardiogram.
The echocardiogram is essentially an ultrasound of the heart. The ultrasound is directed at your dog’s chest to see if there is any defect or irregularities of the dog’s heart chambers.
Heart disease is an enlargement of your dog’s heart. Your dog’s heart will have trouble pumping blood. If left untreated, your dog’s heart could stop and lead to his death.
Heart disease can be a congenital disease from birth or something that your dog has developed over time.
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Heart Murmurs in Dogs
A heart murmur is usually detected when you take your dog to the vet for a check-up. A simple stethoscope exam can allow the vet to not only hear the murmur, but also the degree of how loud the murmur is.
A grade 1 murmur is the softest sounding murmur while a grade 6 is loud and alarming. The louder the murmur, the more severe the heart disease.
If a puppy has a mild heart murmur, your vet will need to continually monitor the murmur throughout the puppy’s life.
If the murmur is on the higher end of the spectrum (3 to 6), a veterinary cardiologist will need to further exam your puppy.
Any puppy or dog with a heart murmur will typically have an echocardiogram performed.
Related: 10 Things You Must Know Before You Buy Pet Insurance
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Symptoms Of Heart Murmurs
- Coughing
- Dog is weak
- Inability to walk for long or exercise
- Irregular breathing
- Gums are bluish-colored
- Abdominal swelling
- Fainting
- Weight loss
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Breeds That Are More Prone To Heart Disease
- Boxers
- Dobermans
- Cavalier and King Charles Spaniard
- Poodles
If you have a dog of any of these breeds, it’s always best to screen your dog for heart disease at 5 to 6 years old.
Why Is An Echocardiogram Necessary?
An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the dog’s heart. It can detect an irregular heartbeat or the start of congenital heart disease.
An echocardiogram produces sound waves that your vet or specialist can see the heart in full on a screen.
The procedure takes 15 to 40 minutes and your vet will have a prognosis right after the test is finished. The test only focuses on the heart, not the lungs.
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What Does An Echocardiogram Reveal?
Echocardiograms can help not only the function and structure of the heart but can also help to determine the following:
- Congenital Birth Defects
- Heart Disease
- Fluid Around the Heart
- Cardiac Tumors
- Heartworm Infections
Average Cost Of An Echocardiogram
The cost of an echocardiogram can range anywhere from $250 to $450 but this cost will vary depending on where you live and what vet hospital you take your dog to.
And, of course, if you have pet insurance, most of the cost will be covered.
The vet exam fee for the procedure can add another $100 depending on where you take your dog.
An echocardiogram is not painful for your pup and there is no medication needed before or after the test.
Other Factors That Can Affect The Price Of The Echocardiogram
- Geographical Location: If you live in a big city like Los Angeles, the cost is typically higher. But, conversely, if you live in an area where echocardiograms are not available in the local vet clinics, you also could pay more.
- The Veterinarian Used: The cost of the veterinarian or specialist will depend on each particular one.
- The Type Of Echocardiogram Used: The more modern the equipment, the higher the price.
- If Anesthesia Is Necessary: For the most part, anesthesia is not used but if your dog is uncooperative or too agitated to sit still, the vet will probably use anesthesia or a sedative to properly perform the echocardiogram.
- Emergency Situation: If the test is needed in an emergency and after hours, the costs could be higher.
What Happens After The Echocardiogram Is Performed?
Depending on the results of the echocardiogram, there are a couple of ways to treat the condition.
Treatment
If a dog does not have congenital heart disease and only a murmur, there usually will not be any treatment. However, further routine radiographs will be taken at subsequent vet visits.
If a dog is diagnosed with a congenital heart defect early in the pups’ life, a cardiac surgeon might be able to repair the irregularity.
By narrowing the artery to lung and using a stent can help increase blood flow and help the heart pump normally. This, of course, will need to be performed by a cardiac specialist.
Diuretics are sometimes recommended for heart disease. Diuretics help with the removal of excess fluid in the lungs which will help restore your dog’s breathing to a normal level. If your dog is on diuretics as a long-term treatment, you will need to see your vet regularly for follow up blood work.
Enzyme blockers and other prescribed drugs can also be used to treat congenital heart disease depending on the cause and severity.
Management
The most important way to help a dog with a heart murmur is to keep the dog lean and healthy. Any excessive weight can exacerbate heart disease and subsequent symptoms.
Moderate exercise is also necessary but is usually advised to keep the activity at a low key level.
Diet
A dog with congestive heart failure needs to be fed a diet low in sodium. Salt increases water retention and fluid accumulation around the heart. Most vets will recommend prescribed food.
A good protein level is important and omega fatty acids can help the dog’s heart and keep the weight down.
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Other Issues That Can Affect Your Dog’s Heart
- Age
- Your dog is anemic or another undetected illness
- Heartworm disease
Can You Get Pet Insurance If Your Dog Has Heart Murmurs
If your dog has congenital heart disease or if your dog is one of the breeds that is pre-disposed to it, pet insurance can help save thousands of dollars.
With all the testing, follow-ups and potential surgery, the treatment can range anywhere from $1,000 to $20,000 depending on the severity of the condition.
Heart murmurs and heart disease are a life-long illness and pet insurance can save up to 90% of the bills and the prescribed food (or an allowance towards it).
Healthy Paws is just one of the great pet insurance companies that will cover congenital heart conditions.
Make sure that your policy covers congenital conditions and that you get the pet insurance before the heart disease appears.
If you have one of the breeds that have the potential for heart disease, test your dog early in his or her life.
It’s easier to slow the progression of the disease than it is for your dog to completely recover from heart failure.
Return to the Dog Health Problems glossary.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a heart murmur in dogs, and how can I identify it?
A heart murmur in dogs is an abnormal sound produced by the flow of blood within the heart. You can identify it during a vet check-up, where the vet uses a stethoscope to listen for the murmur’s presence and assess its severity.
Why would my dog need an echocardiogram if it has a heart murmur?
An echocardiogram, essentially an ultrasound of the heart, is recommended if your dog has a heart murmur or any heart condition. It helps visualize the heart’s chambers and identify defects or irregularities.
What information does an echocardiogram reveal about my dog’s heart condition?
An echocardiogram provides insights into the structure and function of the heart. It helps detect irregular heartbeats, congenital heart diseases, and other abnormalities.
How much does an echocardiogram for a dog cost, and does pet insurance cover it?
The cost of an echocardiogram can range from $250 to $450. Pet insurance often covers a significant portion of this cost, depending on the policy. Additionally, the vet exam fee may add another $100.
Can pet insurance help if my dog has heart murmurs or heart disease?
Yes, pet insurance can be beneficial if your dog has heart murmurs or heart disease. It can cover a substantial portion of vet bills, including testing, follow-ups, and potential surgeries, which can range from $1,000 to $20,000.
What happens after an echocardiogram, and how is heart disease in dogs treated?
Treatment varies based on the diagnosis. If it’s a mild murmur, there may be no treatment. For congenital heart defects, surgery may be an option. Medications like diuretics, enzyme blockers, and prescribed drugs can also be used, along with managing the dog’s weight, exercise, and diet.
Can I get pet insurance if my dog already has heart murmurs?
Yes, you can still get pet insurance if your dog has heart murmurs. However, it’s advisable to obtain coverage early, preferably before any signs of heart disease appear, as pre-existing conditions may have limited coverage.
Are certain dog breeds more prone to heart disease, and when should I screen my dog for it?
Yes, some breeds are more prone to heart disease. It’s recommended to screen dogs for heart disease, especially if they belong to susceptible breeds, starting at 5 to 6 years old.
What factors can affect the price of an echocardiogram for my dog?
The price of an echocardiogram can vary based on location and the vet hospital. Having pet insurance may significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Is there a specific diet recommended for dogs with heart murmurs or heart disease?
Yes, dogs with heart murmurs or heart disease may benefit from a diet low in sodium. A prescribed diet with a good protein level and omega fatty acids can help manage the condition.
Note: The information provided is general and may vary. Consult with a veterinarian and insurance provider for personalized advice.
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap pet insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Dr. Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in companion animal practice. In 1987 she graduated from the University of Glasgow, with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She works at Blythwood Vets and the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA). Pippa is an advocate of Fear-Free Practice, an animal addict, and a veterinary writer. She is also w...
Veterinarian
We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about pet insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything pet insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by pet insurance experts.