Heart Murmur Stress

[Ralbert]

My boxer, Finn is 2 1/2 years old and was diagnosed with a 1 grade heart murmur in October. I took him to another vet for a 2nd opinion, and said she would grade it less than a 1. Finn doesn't like vets very much (he had surgery to correct his entropian when he was a year) and shakes almost uncontrolably when he's there. The day we saw the new vet, we waited for over half an hour, which would normally make me mad but the waiting time seemed to calm Finn down. So when she was listening to his heart, he wasn't shaking! She also suggested the the slight murmur might be related to high blood pressure, since he gets so worked up at the vet's office.

She told me that since is was so low grade she wouldn't recommend having an ultrasound done now, and that i should look to see if he tires easily (yea right!) or coughs. He has been completely normal since then, but has recently started coughing very sporatically. I called the vet and she didn't think it would be connected to the heart murmur, but suggested that i get the test done to ease MY mind! Am I over reacting or would the test be a good idea? Also, do I need to see a cardiologist (which costs more) if this test is really for my sanity? Thanks for your help!

 

[Lael]

I'm sorry you're going through all of this stress, and that poor Finn has to go through it too! Many, many boxers live very long, healthy, happy lives with more than a grade 1 murmur. So since it seems that Finn's murmur isn't very bad, if only existent during the vet visits, I personally wouldn't think seeing a cardiologist at this point is necessary. However, if Finn continues to cough and you feel it's out of the ordinary, an ultrasound might be a good idea.

Remember, you know Finn more than your vet(s) do, so it really is important that you be at peace with it. I'm sure Finn probably trusts your decision more than the vet's.

Hope that helps,
Cat & Lael

 

[Adelle]

First of all welcome to BW and let me say what a great name your boxer has :D My white boy is Finnegan or Finn for short.

Because it’s such a low grade mummer it could easily be the stress of the vet visit, but its very hard for a vet to tell by just listening to the heart. If there is any doubt I would have an Ultra Sound done by a cardiologist, who will be able to confirm for sure the presence of a mummer and the cause and then take it from there.

But also let me reassure you that a dog with such a low-grade mummer can live a long and happy life and never be affected by it.

My first boxer “Hooligan” had a grade 1-2 mummer his whole life, caused by sub aortic stenosis, never affected him, we lost him to cancer not the heart when he was 10 years old.

Finnegan now 3 years old also has a grade 1- 2 mummer caused by Mitral Valve Regurgitation (leaky valve), it does not effect him but we will continue to monitor on an annual basis just in case but the hope is that it does not get any worse with age but only time will tell, but for now he is the healthiest fitness dog I know.

 

[BXR RYD]

Boy do I sympathize with you.
I am going through this right now with my 16 month old.

On a routine exam I was told his heart was abnormal, we did a EKG and yep it is abnormal so off to the cardiologist we go.
Now he wants to do an ultrasound and a holter and boy is that spendy $700:eek: even though I was told he had a grade 1 murmur they are concerned it is AS and at his age I guess this is a real concern for him. I am doing the holter this weekend and the ultrasound on the 24th.

I have been talking to his breeder who has been a GREAT help and I have been doing a lot of research but I still am not sure what to think! I guess the ultrasound will be the only thing that will give me peace of mind.

Good luck and I will let you know how my boy is after the 24th.

Kodie, Cooper & Arley

 

[carole]

Hi

Were having the same problems as well. Star has been diagnosed with a murmur between a 2 and 3. I have been told by vets, breeders, boxer experts that she should lead a normal life and the murmur should not get any worse. There is a chance it could progress slowly but not enough to cause harm. (so I am advised)

I am also getting testing done by a cardiologist next month more for my own peace of mind. Do whatever you feel is right for you and Finn.

Carole