What is a heart murmur in dogs?

A heart murmur is an abnormal sound that is heard during a dog’s heartbeat. This sound is caused by the turbulent flow of blood through the heart. The sound can be heard using a stethoscope and is often described as a whooshing or swishing noise. Heart murmurs are not a disease in themselves, but they are a sign that there may be an underlying condition affecting the heart.

What causes heart murmurs in dogs?

Heart murmurs in dogs can be caused by a variety of factors, including congenital heart defects, valve disease, anemia, infections, and heartworms. In many cases, the cause of the heart murmur is unknown. Some breeds of dogs are more prone to developing heart murmurs than others, including Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Boxers, and Doberman Pinschers.

How is a heart murmur diagnosed in dogs?

A heart murmur is diagnosed by a veterinarian during a physical examination. The vet will use a stethoscope to listen to the dog’s heart and lungs and will determine the grade and location of the heart murmur. Additional tests may be needed, including bloodwork, chest X-rays, electrocardiogram, and echocardiogram, to determine the underlying cause and severity of the heart murmur.