Hello! My 9 year old pomeranian was diagnosed with a heart murmur. All the articles I have read deal with the murmur of a puppy AND only a 1 or 2. My baby has a 3 on a scale of 1-6. I'm really worried. I've been afraid that she might pass. Her weight did drop some from last week's visit to the vet. But it could also be that she hasn't eaten today because of her visit. She is scheduled for an ECG or EKG on Monday. I was wondering what is a heart murmur and how will this grade 3 murmur affect her? Thank you in advance for your help!

If you go in to the search box - and write heart murmur - you will find quite a lot of information about it. Most of it encouraging !

I have a 7 month old M.Schnauzer who was diagnosed with heart murmur at 7 weeks - about level 4. So far she has been a fit and healthy puppy. We are hoping of course that it will diminish or dissapear - but if it doesn't there is still a good chance that she can have a good life in spite of it. There are many people here who have dogs diagnosed with murmurs - and most of them seems to be doing fine.

Is there any other signs that your dog is not well ?

( I have also heard that very many horses have heart murmurs - - without any ill effects)

Hammy

Hi guest! Heart murmers in young dogs can have a good prognosis as they are growing. in older dogs it is more serious as it is a sign of old age...you will hopefully be able to control it, but it may get worse. The ECG will help identify what is causing the murmer...the sound comes from leaky valves in the heart, which allow blood to flow back between contractions, making a sound. As the heart is not as efficient, the dog shows exercise intolerance and other probs. The good news is that you vet will be able to advise on drugs that help the heart, and explain how you can help ie. diet (if the dog is over weight it becomes more of a problem), exercise etc. Ask for info/look up in veterinary notes for dog owners or similar - there is lots of info and experience to help! I hope your dog is ok and good luck - a grade 3 is moderate, so you have plenty of fun left with him :-) Liz x