[MarshMS]

Hello, we are the new owners of a delightful little 8 week old F1 labradoodle Amanda.

On her vet check-up the day after we got her, we learned that she has a heart murmur. The vet said it is probably a PDA and it will go away, but there are no guarantees. The vet said the murmur is very quiet, she could have missed it and it's probably why the vet who checked her out before leaving the breeder didn't catch it. Has anyone had a pup with a murmur? Did it go away? How concerned should we be?

 

[dixiedi]

Welcome to the forum It is not unusual for a puppy to have a heart murmur and 9 times out of 10, they will go away. Your vet does not sound alarmed about it so I think you can be at peace with it. Your vet will check Amanda on your next visit when you go in for your 12 wk shot and I bet she will be murmur free. Have fun with your new puppy and post a picture when you get a chance, we'd love to see her.

 

[MarshMS]

Thanks so much for your response.
I am very nervous about this but am trying not to let it affect my happiness with the pup.
The vet talked about a cardiac work-up if the murmur is still there in a few weeks, and honestly the worry about another financial hit from seeing the specialist and having an ultrasound done has us very concerned.
Should I contact the breeder about this? Would he be willing to pay for any tests do you think?

 

[kim26]

Welcome MarshMS and I'm sorry to hear that your pup has a heart murmur. I hope Di is right and the murmer will be gone at your next visit. I would definitely contact the breeder and find out if they would be willing to help out. Did you get a health guarantee of any kind? I'm sure the breeder would want to know right away if something is wrong rather than later. Maybe some of the breeders on here can give you some good advice.

 

[dixiedi]

I really don't think it is going to be an issue but I would definately contact the breeder and let them know that your puppy has a heart murmur and that your vet is going to recheck her in a few weeks. I don't know what kind of contract you have but any reputable breeder would be very willing to pay for any test that is needed. Just be sure to notify your breeder of what is going on and give them the name of your vet and phone number so they can call and talk with him.

I'm sure all is going to be fine, keep us posted

 

[Jac]

I would also go to a regular vet first, for a second opinion...sometimes there can be a misdiagnosis. Before putting so much money into specialists, I'd get that second opinion.
And, as a breeder, I would refund money to cover costs...if it truly is serious enough to go to the specialists.
Sorry you are so frightened and facing such possibility...I hope it all turns out okay for you, your pup and your breeder.

 

[MarshMS]

Great news! Amanda's heart murmur is gone!

 

[kim26]

Yay! That's wonderful!

 

[dixiedi]

WooHoo :!: I know you are very relieved by this news, that's wonderful.

What a way to start the New Year

 

[Jac]

I am so happy to hear this news! You must be thrilled...congratulations to you and to little Amanda!

 

[movistar]

normally that is the case. glad to hear yours was one of the normal cases!

 

[Jack Black]

My wife took Jack to our Vet today (just for a general starter check) and she detected a murmur in Jack too. It wasn't there for his 6 week vaccination, so reading this thread has given me confidence that hopefully all will be OK in the end

thanks
Aaron

 

[dixiedi]

Hi Aaron and welcome How old is Jack now? I too hope his murmur will be gone on your next visit. A lot of puppies are born with a slight murmur and it isn't unusual for a slight murmur to be missed in the initial checkup. Definately stay on top of the matter and make sure the murmur isn't detected at his next visit. You might go ahead and contact your breeder and let them know that the murmur is there in case there is a problem down the road.

Wishing you and Jack luck and many years of happiness

 

[AJWhiting]

Good morning, and welcome. I am sorry to hear about the murmur. My 9 month old West Highland Terrier has a murmur as well. It is a fairly severe one, a class 3. Upon discovery, we got her to a specialist for an Ultra Sound and an EKG. Hers is a large one, and will not go away, but the vet did tell us that most of the smaller ones do diminish with time.

But, you would never know that our little Westie has a murmur. She is as healthy and energetic as any dog I have ever known. The only precaution that we have to take is during any surgery. There are certain medicines that should or should not be used for sedation. I believe sedation for ours was given through a mask instead of an IV so the meds didn't travel directly through her heart. But other than that she leads a completely normal life. I do believe that dogs with persisting murmurs have a slightly shorter life expectancy, but again, most go away with time!

 

[MaxandMe]

It does make me feel for anyone whose dog has a heart murmur and hope all will outgrow theirs

i wonder though if young puppies are like young kids at times? Meaning, some kids have heart murmurs that go away as they hit 3 or 4yrs old
Two of my kids had them....both finally outgrew theirs.

 

[Doodlesville]

Yes AnneMarie, that is exactly what my vet said
and it is true, with the heart murmurs i have had thus far in litters ever single one of the pups has outgrown them
What happens is when born the heart vaulve doesnt close rite away
as they mature it does
up to grade 3 murmur that is normally the case

 

[KahaiW]

I just got a 9 week'er myself, cutest thing in the world!!!! The vet detected a mild murmur when he got to an excited state. Obviously I have to just wait it out however, I see in earlier posts people are "rating" the murmur and 3 seems to be a big boundary. My question is, who can give accurate rating, the vet or a specialist?

 

[deepnite10]

When we took Toby in for his first physical we were told he had a slight
heart murmur..we were told at this time there was really no need for alarm, that most pups he s examined had out grown them..

he did say that if we wanted..we could have a specialist perform a cardiac ultrasound..we did inform the breeder and were told that if by the 3 rd visit the murmur was still present.. he would split the cost of the ultrasound..and if necessary provide a refund..or compensate us for medication for 3 yrs..

things have gone well..at his second visit at 6 mos. there was no detection of the heart murmur..

 

[lindamarie]

I really don't think it is going to be an issue but I would definately contact the breeder and let them know that your puppy has a heart murmur and that your vet is going to recheck her in a few weeks. I don't know what kind of contract you have but any reputable breeder would be very willing to pay for any test that is needed. Just be sure to notify your breeder of what is going on and give them the name of your vet and phone number so they can call and talk with him.

I'm sure all is going to be fine, keep us posted

DITTO!!
Please do all of the above!

 

[KahaiW]

I have contacted the breeder but as you all have said it's a waiting game now. I have noticed that his breathing rate is pretty fast all the time. Seems to be in the 100 bpm range.. yikes am I freaking myself out here or what?