heart murmur 3 1/2 yearold

[Saffy'smom]

We took our baby in for her shots and a check-up today and the vet detected a heart murmur. We've had her since she was 8 weeks and she has been to the vet on average 3-4 times a year and this has never come up before. Our vet put her on special food for cardic problems and has refered us to a canine cardiologist for an ultrasound, who I will be calling as soon as they open in the morning. Needless to say, I'm worried and scared. She has always been very healthy and extremely active. What can I expect in this situation? Any words of advice would help.
Thanks-

 

[craZ4HERKIE]

my baby wasn't diagnosed with his heart murmur until he was 2...he's now 4 1/2 yrs old. Just like you, he always made his regular trips to the vets and it was never picked up. Right now he leads a perfectly normal life, as for when he gets older...who knows? I wouldn't worry too much for now, as it's been caught, and it's something you know to keep an eye on. Good Luck.

 

[Jan]

I would take her to a cardiologist so that you can find out what grade the heart murmer is. That way you can find out whether you need to be concerned. A grade one or two is not really anything to be worried about.

Good luck!

 

[kassa]

I'm glad your vet referred you to a cardiologist. What on earth is food for cardiac problems? Never heard of such a thing!

 

[Saffy'smom]

We're trying to get her into see a canine cardiologist that is highly recomended here in town. I was having a bit of a freak out yesterday since it was new news.The food they put her on is called Royal Canin Early Cardiac EC22. It's perscription food and the vet said it contains enzymes and amino acids that have been shown to help the heart. We were concerned that she might not eat it since she's a pretty picky eater and has been on the same brand of food since she was 8 weeks. Thankfully, she loves it! Good thing, it's pricey! A lady I work with told me that someday we'll have children and realize that they are just dogs, but I don't believe that one little bit!