Description: An abnormal condition where there are extra sounds emanating from the heart with each heartbeat. These sounds are called murmurs. Although there are puppies which are born with heart murmurs, it can also occur due to parasitic anemia. When a heart murmur is detected, your veterinarian will conduct further tests such as x-ray, echocardiogram, and an electrocardiogram. Treatment will depend on the type or grade of heart murmur. There are six grades of heart murmur—the first two are mild conditions that don’t require immediate treatment. Grades 3 and 4 require symptomatic medication because the dog may easily get tired and coughing is usually recurrent. The most serious types of heart murmurs are classified as grades 5 and 6. Dogs with these type of heart murmurs require medications and surgery to correct the defective mitral valve for these dogs are at risk for developing congestive heart failure.

Breeds Commonly Affected: Field Spaniel, Japanese Chin (Spaniel), Sussex spaniel