By Blue
Date 17.05.05 21:50 UTC

It really depends on the severity of it. What did your vet say?
If it is serious it can shorten the dogs life, make them breathless, if it is more a flutter then it may never affect the dog.
My grans little westie had quite a bad one on both sides, infact the vet didn't vaccinate it as he was so worried. The little thing is still going strong and it is several years old now.
By chels5
Date 19.05.05 12:05 UTC
my 3 year old bc, ziggy, has a grade 5 murmur, diagnosed last year, our vet is really pleased how fit and healthy she is, and has suggested to carry on with agility etc when she is happy to carry on, she lets me know when she has had enough, and we have to make sure she stays cool etc during the summer and she has her walks early morning and late evening on really hot days (not that we have that many over here!) as she copes with it so well, she is reluctant to give any meds for now

I have only just read your message about your pup with a diagnosed heart murmer and i hope you dont mind me replying. Its just to let you know that my weimaraner bitch was diagnosed also with quite a bad murmer at around 12 months old(the vet I saw was very much 'doom and gloom') I came home thinking I wouldnt have my poor pup for much longer the way he had spoken. I went to see another vet (who is now the only vet I allow near my dogs) and he told me that although it could be serious and we should be under no illusions, he felt that quality of life was more important. He told me to watch her diet (salt is bad) not to go mad with over exercise especially in warmer weather, keep an eye on her but above all 'let her be a weimaraner'..... She eventually died 13 years later!
Ok, she was on tablets for the last 4 years of her life and she did cough abit but that was only towards the end. Be watchful but enjoy your dog. Be positive. Hope this cheers you alittle.
Our 15 month old Bichon had a grade 6 heart murmer. When he was 13 month old he collapsed, we took him to the vets who refered him to a cardiologist. The appointment was very quick for Edinburgh Veterinary Hospital. Within 10 days he was in and had heart surgery to correct a PDA. This is Patent Ductus Arteriosus, when the blood vessel that normally bypasses the heart when pups are in the womb doesn't close off. They surgically tied it off and he is now fine. Fortunately pet insurance covered everything. You need more information from your vets and even a second opinion for peace of mind.
Deb