Sonny has a heart murmer

Hi guys need your help just back from vet and turns out sonny has a heart murmer as you can imagine I am so upset and cause I don't have a clue about this kind of stuff do you have any advice on what to do?

Thanks sam

PS vet said he would refer him to the uni so that they could do all the tests

Calm down first, how old is Sonny? Lots of dog live to a ripe old age with a 'heart murmer, wait till you get it checked out and see how bad and what is causing it. (((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))) It may be nothing and even if there is a problem it can be sorted with medication.

Hi Sam

Sometimes vets get it wrong. wait n see what the test results come back as.
*hugs*

Calmed down a bit thanks for the hugs, I just got so worried apart from the murmur the vet said he is in great shape and isn't showing any symptoms. But it troubles me none the less. The only thing that bothers me is that I don't know enough about it so I am going to try and find out as much as I can so that I can ask lots of questions.

Thanks again

Sam xx

Thing is Sam, it can be caused by any number of problems. In the young dog it may mean nothing and the dog tested later will have no murmur. It could be a condition that need an operation or medication but only the tests will tell you that. Be calm and take the name of the specialist and the phone number you can always phone and get them to phone you once you have had time to think about what you have been told. Will look through my notes and books and let you have any info I think may help you.

Forgot to mention that there was a man in the waiting room when I came out and the dog was in a terrible state - wasn't moving didn't look good and the old man who brought it in was in tears. Not something you want to see at the best of times - I think I got upset about that aswell.

Sam xx

Thanks thordell - I just want to know my stuff hate when they bamboozle you with big word etc..

Hi Sam

How bad did the vet grade Sonny. Remember in February when the vet graded Star a 3. At the cardiologist she was graded a 2 which is not a health risk.

Ask away as many questions as you want. I might be able to help.

Carole I was going to PM you. The vet didn't grade him he just said he could hear a murmum and any further tests would have to be done at the university. I told him I would give him a call tomorow to confirm the tests are to be carried out. What did you do? I was really upset I got a horrible fright - Sonny is insured so there are no probs there.

Thanks sam


I will probably keep picking your brains !!

Hi Sam

There is a cardiologist Ann French who is based in Edinburgh University who works with Bruce Cattenach on the boxer heart testing scheme. We were supposed to see her but at the testing it was a cardiologist from Cheadle we saw.

Murmurs are common in boxers. Here a few links

http://www.boxerunderground.com/uk/as_control.htm

and

http://www.boxerunderground.com/uk/p..._heart_mur.htm

and

http://www.boxerunderground.com/uk/chart_grades.htm

Were Sonnys parents heart tested. This can play a big part in the murmur. Stars parents were graded 1 which is acceptable. When you phone the vet tomorrow ask them what grade they think it is. I forgot to ask all the questions because your mind goes blank

The most common reason for murmurs in boxers is Aeortic Stenosis. Star has a mild murmur consistant with possible AS. She has no clinical symptoms and has no restrictions on exercise and is expected to lead a normal life (fingers crossed)

Make sure that you get referred to one of these approved cardiologists.

http://www.boxerunderground.com/uk/cardiologists2.htm

Sam, forgot to say "dont worry" he will be fine.