Heart Murmur
Description:
Murmurs of the heart are extra sounds heard during the heartbeat. Some animals are born with this defect. Heart murmur may also arise from anemia which can be caused by parasites. Other cases are caused by mitral valve disease. In mild cases, the animal continues to live a normal life.
Diagnosis: Heart murmurs may be suspected by listening to the heartbeat, and in some cases it can be detected as early as birth. If heart murmur is suspected, the veterinarian will continue with further tests such as Electrocardiogram, X-ray, and Echocardiogram.
Types and treatment: There are six different grades of heart murmur. The first two are minor and do not require immediate treatment, however your veterinarian will typically ask you to keep an eye on the animal.
At grades 3 and 4, the animal may tire easily and cough frequently. Heart murmurs at grades 3 and 4 typically require medication to help regulate the condition.
Grades 5 and 6 are the most serious types which require medication and surgery to repair the defective mitral valve. Animals with grades 5 or 6 heart murmurs are at risk for congestive heart failure.
Breeds prone to Heart Murmur include:
Consider a pet health insurance plan for your pet to cover the costs of treatment for Heart Murmur. Accidents and illnesses can happen unexpectedly and veterinary treatment can get expensive quickly which is why cat or dog insurance is a good idea. Trupanion offers a maximum coverage policy that is straightforward, fair, and affordable.
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