having spent the last 6 months hunting for a tibetan terrier pup, i was delighted to locate one in the next town. I brought my new pup home on saturday, with a smile from ear to ear.  The vet has soon wiped away my smile, when i took her for her first jab, he has informed me that she has a heart murmer, well im sure all you dog owners will appreaciate that, im in a horrid state now, because i fell in love with her the moment i saw her (at 3 weeks), i have spoke with the breeder, who has offered to take her back, but she insists that my vet does not know what he is talking about. he did admit that he did not know the breed, and also that it is possible that when he see's her again that this noise could be gone..  can anyone offer me any advise.

Now that pups are often going for their first jabs sooner often there will be an innocent murmer noticed which is gone by the next jabs, just immaturity.  This is especially likely in breeds that haven't got heart problems.

I had this happen with one of my pups when they first started the earlier vaccinations, and needless to say me and the new owners were needlessly worried sick for two weeks.

If the pups is active (heart disease is often associated with excersie intolerance and is an unusually quiet and lethargic pup) and also poor weight and size for age, if this is not the case itr is likely to be gone by next visit.

thanks for replying, it is possible then, that this will not be there next time i visit, i was wondering if i should go to another vet to get a second opinion or if i should give my pup a few more weeks to mature more, she was the smallest of the litter, which i do know that you should not go for, but she was the one i wanted, ie her colour, and she is just so beautiful. the vet did say that by 8 weeks (which is now is) that she ought to have matured, but given she was alittle smaller, im hoping and praying that she is just a bit undeveloped, if you know what i mean.

Hi Bernard

One of my Tibetans was diagnosed with a heart murmur at 8 weeks but it had disappeared by 6months.  Stress can bring on the sounds of murmur and I wouldn't be surprised if this is what has happened with your pup having just left its mum.

Try to relax around her and don't make too much of it.  Unless you see real signs of illness, and in that case get her to the vet asap,  I would go and visit your vet at 6 months and ask for a health check.

Enjoy her.