I am about to collect my new Sheltie puppy Isla who is 12 weeks old. I was told yeterday by the breeder when she took her for her 2nd vaccination that she has a very slight heart murmur.  She gave me the name of her vet as she wanted to speak to me.  The vet was a lovely lady who said that she was petty sure Isla will grow out of it and even if she doesn't it  rarely makes any difference to their lives - most of her cases she said have lived happily into old age.  She told me that Isla is so well grown and plump and full of beans that there really is no problem.

I have decided to go ahead as I have already bonded with Isla who I have known since she was 3 weeks old and I love her.  The vet was so positive that I have decided to put it out of my head.  She comes from very sound stock and the breeder has never had this happen before.

Reading through these pages and other articles on the internet it does seem to be a common occurrence.

So  I hope I am doing the right thing.  I suppose some breeders wouldn't tell you so I did respect mine for doing so.

Snowflake

Good luck, I bet by the time she goes for her booster at a year that there will be no sign of it.

My last dog had a very slight heart murmur picked up after a severe infection when he was about 15 months old. It never bothered or affected him in the slightest, he lived until nearly 14 and never needed any medication or treatment for it. I think in very small puppies often the flow of blood through their hearts can mimic a murmur and as Barbara says by the time she goes for her booster it will have disappeared (certainly the case with my human daughter :-D )

Found this bit too:
Many puppies are born with a slight heart murmur (or puppy murmur) that clears up by itself after 4-6 months. In many cases, vets will simply recommend a later checkup, just to be sure that the condition has resolved itself.

Make sure you get proof that it has cleared for future insurance purposes

Hope you enjoy your new puppy - sounds like you have found a good breeder

Have no help for the heart murmur.

But what a good breeder to be so upfront with you, sounds like the type of breeder that should be a life long friend as well.

Good luck with the new arrival

Emma

Puppies often get little flow murmurs, I would bet it will have gone in a few months. :-)

Thanks for your replies.  I must say I was a bit worried when I was told about the heart murmur but do feel more relaxed about it now.  It is nice to hear that most do disappear later on.

I figured that if I had to start looking for another Sheltie ( or indeed any other breed) I may find just the same scenario.  The vet who examined little Isla told me that the only murmurs she is concerned about are the serious ones and that is a different matter.

Anyway I can't wait .... I am retiring from my full time job on Friday and collect my lovely girlie on Saturday!!

Snowflake (I can't find how to put smilies on here ....)