Go to a clinic immediately if
- Breathing is difficult at rest, gums turn blue, the pet cannot lie down, collapses or suddenly loses use of the hind limbs
Possible signs
- A murmur is often incidental; disease may also cause rapid breathing, cough, weakness or exercise intolerance
- An animal with a heart murmur may have no symptom and the change may be found only during examination
Contact a veterinarian today if
- Contact a clinic today if cough, rapid resting breathing, weakness or exercise intolerance is new or worsening
What it is
A murmur reflects turbulent blood flow. Loudness does not always match disease severity, and listening alone cannot identify the cause.
What to expect at the veterinarian
The veterinarian will assess pulses, breathing and other findings. Echocardiography, chest radiographs, blood pressure or other tests may be needed.
Sources
- Guideline or consensus statement. ACVIM consensus guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of myxomatous mitral valve disease in dogs