As some dogs age, the valve leaflets become thickened and cannot seal properly, which causes blood to leak backward in the heart and results in a heart murmur, which a veterinarian can detect by listening to the chest with a stethoscope.” 12 авг. 2015 г.
How serious is a heart murmur in an older dog?
The disease is slowly progressive in most cases and the leak will continue to worsen over months to years. If the disease becomes severe, the dog is at risk for developing congestive heart failure.
Why does my dog suddenly have a heart murmur?
In larger breed dogs, heart murmurs are often caused by a disease called dilated cardiomyopathy (with a subsequent leaky mitral valve). Dilated cardiomyopathy is a disease that causes the muscles in the pumping chamber of the heart to become weakened and decrease the contraction strength of the heart.
How long can an old 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.
Can heart murmurs go away in older dogs?
Keep in mind also that heart murmurs typically occur in older dogs because of an underlying health condition. Many of these causes are treatable and may even resolve on their own. However, in more severe cases, and especially with older dogs, the outlook may be more guarded.
More useful articles on a similar topic 👇
Are heart murmurs common in senior dogs?How long can an old dog live with a heart murmur?
