My vet said my dog has a hart murmur- What does it mean? Do I need to do anything? Should I be concerned?

On today's episode of Twin Trees Vet Talk, we welcome our very special guest, Dr. Mark Harmon. Dr. Harmon is a Veterinary Cardiology Specialist at Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital in Vancouver, BC (Canada).

We discuss the causes of heart murmurs in dogs and cats and the steps a pet owner should take to find out the significance of the heart murmur and whether indicative of a serious heart problem. If your vet detects a heart murmur in your pet, a referral to a cardiologist can provide you with important information about what is causing the murmur and if any intervention is needed. The cardiologist will perform an electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) to assess the heart rhythm, and an echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart) to assess size, shape, and function of the heart, and to detect any structural or functional abnormalities. Sometimes additional tests may be needed.

If your pet has any indication of heart disease (even a very soft murmur, exercise intolerance, shortness of breath, cardiac arrhythmia, etc.) it very is important to have the heart evaluated, and to see a cardiologist whenever possible. If heart disease goes undiagnosed, it can continue to get worse under the surface and eventually culminate in a big emergency like congestive heart failure (CHF). We hope you enjoy this episode! Please leave your questions and comments below!

RELATED CONTENT ON OUR CHANNEL:
-The Amazing World Of Veterinary Cardiology: https://twintreesvet.com/blogs/vet-ta...
-IT'S NOT OVER! Grain Free Dog Food & Heart Disease: https://twintreesvet.com/blogs/vet-ta...
-Congestive Heart Failure in a Dog / CHF:    • A Nice Dog with Congestive Heart Fail...  
- 3 Tips from the Emergency Vet    • 3 Tips That Could Save Your Pet's Lif...  
-Genetic Heart Disease    • Genetic Heart Disease in Dogs and Cat...  

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
-Orthopaedic Foundation for Animals: https://www.ofa.org/
-AKC Guide to Responsible Pet Breeding:
https://www.akc.org/breeder-programs/...

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Teaser
0:39 Intro, heart murmur- what does it mean?
1:12 loud vs soft murmur
1:49 why to see a cardiologist
2:55 ECG and echocardiogram
3:50 heart failure
4:18 cats are different

FULL BLOG POST: https://twintreesvet.com/blogs/vet-ta...

WELCOME TO TWIN TREES VET TALK! An informal chat with Dr. Lopez (Emergency Veterinarian) and friends to share our perspective on pet predicaments, being a veterinarian, our shared love for animals and more! Have a quick question? Want to run something by us? Or just need our two cents? This is your chance! Each week we select a handful of questions to answer.

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3 BEST PIECES OF ADVICE FROM THE EMERGENCY VET THAT COULD SAVE YOUR PET'S LIFE
1) DON'T WAIT TOO LONG TO GET HELP! If you wait too long, it could be too late. This is especially true for concerns such as laboured breathing, pale gums and weakness. You know your pet best, so if you are worried or concerned, "when in doubt, check it out!"

2) PREVENT THE PREVENTABLE. Learn as much as possible about dangers that face your pet, such as household poisons, seemingly harmless objects (like toys, clothing, garbage and rocks), other animals, and vehicles. Pets are like toddlers and they need a responsible adult/babysitter to protect them from danger.

3) BE PREPARED FOR THE WORST CASE SCENARIO. Have a plan in place, know your nearest emergency clinic, have the ASPCA phone number on speed dial. Know basic first aid training and CPR. But MOST IMPORTANTLY, BE FINANCIALLY PREPARED. The cost of medical treatment in an emergency, and the owners' ability to pay for it, is probably the most important factor that determines whether a pet will receive the medical care it needs. The best way to protect yourself is to have good medical insurance for your pet. Do your research.

DISCLAIMER
The medical information on this site is provided as an educational resource only, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes.

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