The most common cause of an acquired heart murmur in the dog is mitral insufficiency (also called mitral regurgitation), a condition in which the mitral valve becomes thickened and begins leaking (see handout “Mitral Valve Disease in Dogs”). Mitral insufficiency tends to be more common in small breed dogs.
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 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.
What 5 things can cause a heart murmur?
CausesFlow murmurs: Exercise, pregnancy, and anemia can all cause a high blood flow, as can hyperthyroidism, fever, and rapid growth spurts. ... Valve disease-related murmurs: Problems with a valve in the heart, such as aortic stenosis or a bicuspid aortic valve, can lead to a heart murmur.
What can I do to help my dog with a heart murmur?
When it comes to the treatment of a heart murmur, a veterinarian will look to treat the underlying cause and the symptoms associated with it. Medical treatment may include a change in diet, exercise restrictions, and medication. In the case of young puppies and murmurs, they may often resolve on their own.
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