Heart murmurs are relatively common in dogs, affecting around one in five canines. While some murmurs are nothing to worry about, others may be indicative of a more serious issue. In this blog post, we will discuss the symptoms of heart murmur in dogs, as well as what you can do to help your furry friend stay healthy and happy.
What Is A Heart Murmur In Dog?
A heart murmur is a noise that can be heard when listening to your dog’s heart with a stethoscope. It is caused by an abnormal flow of blood through the heart valves. Heart murmurs are common in dogs and can be caused by a variety of things, such as congenital defects, valvular disease, and cardiomyopathy.
Symptoms Of Heart Murmur In Dogs
A heart murmur is an abnormal sound created by an additional heart vibration induced by a disturbance in the blood flow. A detectable abnormal heart sounds is one that can be distinguished from a regular heartbeat using a stethoscope and can be heard by a doctor.
It is not necessary to be alarmed if your dog has a murmur. Consult your veterinarian about heart disease and what it could signify for your dog if something more serious is going on. Many dogs who have cardiac irregularities or congestive heart failure may not require treatment and live long and healthy lives. Among the signs and symptoms are:
- A change in the dog’s normal heart rate or rhythm
- An abnormal sound coming from the heart (this is called a “heart murmur”)
- Shortness of breath
- Exercise intolerance
- Faints or collapse
- Water retention is severe
- Lack of energy
- Irregular heartbeat
These symptoms could be a sign of a more significant health problem, not just a heart murmur. If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms, your veterinarian will be able to figure out what’s wrong.
What Causes A Heart Murmur In Dogs?
A cardiac murmur can have a variety of causes. Some murmurs are considered “innocent” or “physiologic,” while others are considered pathologic or caused by an illness, such as a structural abnormality in the heart.
Murmurs can also be triggered by a “non-cardiac” ailment that isn’t related to heart disease.
A Cardiac Murmur Is Caused By Structural Heart Issues
Structural heart problems occur when the dog’s heart has an atypical defect or structure that causes blood flow problems. Turbulence occurs when blood flow is disturbed. Leaky heart valves, big blood vessels, an unexpected hole between two arteries or heart chambers that should not be connected, and narrowing or thickening of a heart valve are all instances of cardiac defects that induce turbulence.
A congenital heart condition occurs when a dog is born with structural cardiac defects. Acquired heart disease occurs when a dog develops a structural heart condition later in life. Cardiac murmurs in dogs can be caused by both inherent and acquired structural heart abnormalities.
Types Of Heart Murmurs In Dogs
Systolic Murmur
Systolic murmur, meaning they happen during systole, the phase of the heart cycle when the heart contracts to pump blood out. A leaking mitral valve is the most typical source of this murmur (the valve between the left upper and lower chambers of the heart). Systolic murmurs can also be caused by pulmonic stenosis or subaortic stenosis, which is a constriction of a blood vessel that obstructs blood flow.
Diastolic Murmur
This is a rare form of murmur in dogs. Aortic insufficiency is the most common ailment associated with this type of murmur, which arises when the aortic valve leaks as a result of its failure to seal tightly.
Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)
Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a condition in which a major blood artery, the ductus arteriosus, fails to seal after birth, resulting in a continuous murmur. In dogs, it is the most common congenital condition. Pomeranian, Maltese, Keeshond, Poodle, Chihuahua, Bichon Frise, and German Shepherd are the breeds most typically affected.
Dog Heart Murmur Configurations
Plateau, crescendo-decrescendo, decrescendo, and machinery are the four main configurations or features of heart murmurs in dogs.
Plateau Murmurs
Aortic valve insufficiency is generally linked with plateau murmurs, which are defined by a steady loudness.
Crescendo-Decrescendo Murmurs
This type of murmur is usually associated with pulmonic stenosis and aortic or other comparable disorders, and it produces a noise that alternates between louder and quieter.
Decrescendo Murmurs
This type of murmur usually occurs as a result of a ventricular septal defect or aortic valve insufficiency, and it begins loudly before becoming quieter.
Machinery Murmurs
This form of murmur is a continuous murmur associated with a patent ductus arteriosus.