Dog Heart Murmur

Question
I recently took my black lab (4 yrs old) to the vet for her annual exam.  The vet said she heard a heart murmur, but she didn't answer any of my questions.  

Is there anything I can do for my lab?  Vitamins? or any meds that would be beneficial to her?  Could this be fatal at her age?  

The vet did say she could run a series of tests, i.e. EKG, ultrasound.  Are these test beneficial and is there treatment if I get the tests done?

Thank you,

~Tracey

Answer
Tracey,

I would recommend having a chest x-ray and EKG to see if there is any change in her heart size or abnormal electrical issues in the heart.  If these tests are normal, then I would recommend close monitoring and taking her for an exam every 4-6 months.  Also ask your vet what GRADE of heart murmur she has....a Grade I is very mild, barely audible and usually not significant whereas as Grade V or VI is the worst.  It wouldn't be a bad idea to have a CBC done to check her blood counts as anemia can lead to flow-murmurs.

Make sure to feed her a high quality all-natural diet that is void of by-products, preservatives and food colors such as  Nutro Natural, Verus, Flint River Ranch, Natural Balance, Ca Natural, Innova, Wysong, Prairie...

You can supplement with Co Q10 at a dose of 1 mg per pound daily and make sure she is getting enough of L-carnitine and taurine as these amino acids are important to heart health.

Good luck,
Dr. Fry