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My vet said my dog has a hart murmur What does it mean? Do I need to do anything? Should I be concerned?

On today's episode of Twin Trees Vet Talk, we welcome our very special guest, Dr. Mark Harmon. Dr. Harmon is a Veterinary Cardiology Specialist at Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital in Vancouver, BC (Canada).

We discuss the causes of heart murmurs in dogs and cats and the steps a pet owner should take to find out the significance of the heart murmur and whether indicative of a serious heart problem. If your vet detects a heart murmur in your pet, a referral to a cardiologist can provide you with important information about what is causing the murmur and if any intervention is needed. The cardiologist will perform an electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) to assess the heart rhythm, and an echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart) to assess size, shape, and function of the heart, and to detect any structural or functional abnormalities. Sometimes additional tests may be needed.

If your pet has any indication of heart disease (even a very soft murmur, exercise intolerance, shortness of breath, cardiac arrhythmia, etc.) it very is important to have the heart evaluated, and to see a cardiologist whenever possible. If heart disease goes undiagnosed, it can continue to get worse under the surface and eventually culminate in a big emergency like congestive heart failure (CHF). We hope you enjoy this episode! Please leave your questions and comments below!

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