From the time a murmur develops, it may be a few months to several years until heart failure occurs. A heart murmur does not mean that heart failure is imminent, but eventually congestive heart failure will occur. Dogs with a heart murmur do have an increased risk of sudden death.
How long can a dog live with a heart murmur?
Many dogs live a long time after being diagnosed with a heart murmur, and some can even live years after being diagnosed with heart failure.
Is a heart murmur a death sentence for a dog?
Long-Term Outlook. In summary, diagnosis of a heart murmur in your pet, young or old, can be scary. It is in no way a death sentence for most pets. Take a deep breath, then discuss your pet's history, symptoms, risks, lifestyle and your concerns with your veterinarian.
What happens if you don't treat a heart murmur in a dog?
A large majority of heart murmur in dogs are leaky mitral valves and can be monitored for several years before they require attention. However, these types of murmurs in certain breeds can quickly lead to the dog developing heart failure.
Does a heart murmur hurt a dog?
A heart murmur occurs when there is turbulent blood flow within the heart. Some murmurs, especially those found in young puppies, can be 'innocent' or 'physiologic' and will have no negative effects on your dog's health.
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