worried about my dogs heart murmur

Question
I have a five year old Pomeranian dashund mix.  she has a severe heart murmur that she was born with which I believe is a grade five. I can feel her murmur by putting my hand on her chest and can hear it quietly with my ear slightly off her chest. I got her at three months old and my vet originally said he didn't think she would live past six months old. she is surprisingly active for how severe her murmur is. she is able to be walked for about 45 minutes every few days and she runs quite a bit in my backyard all day. I have noticed her getting tired faster as she has aged. she does not cough, faint, and her gums are not blue. she does have paridonal disease. I brush her teeth every day but it only has slowed down her paridontal disease. my vet wont do anything for her medically. should I find another vet? what procedures or medications should she receive to expand her life? is there more I can be doing for my dog? and how long do you think she might live?

Answer

Hi Rebecca,

The amount of exercise that your dog should have is based upon her individual situation.  For most pets with heart problems, mild exercise is well tolerated. You can confirm this with your vet, but you probably should have your dog avoid strenuous exercise especially in hot weather, and don't allow her to become overweight. Just because she's willing to walk for 45 minutes or run around, doesn't mean that she should be taken on a walk that long, or allowed to run.

It sounds like your dog might benefit from being evaluated by veterinary cardiologist. If your current vet can't give you a referral for a board certified veterinary cardiologist, you may be able to locate one here:

http://www.cavalierhealth.org/Cardiologists.htm#Click_on_a_state

You didn't say if your dog is on any medication for her heart condition, that is something you should discuss with a vet. There are several different kinds of medication, depending on your individual dog's condition. It is highly recommended that your dog be examined once every three months, especially if she is on medication. The meds may need to be adjusted.

It's good you're taking care of your dogs teeth, small breed dogs such as yours are prone to dental problems. Neglected tooth or gum problems can lead to heart disease (or make your dog's heart problems worse), or cause other serious problems.

Your dog would probably benefit from a cleaning, but your vet doesn't want to risk putting her under anesthesia, given her heart problems. She might not survive the procedure. It could be helpful to also use an antiseptic oral rinse, such as C.E.T. Oral Hygiene Rinse. Soak a cotton ball with the solution and gently rub her gums and teeth. Do this one or two times a day, in addition to brushing daily.

Veterinarians sell Stomadhex, which is a patch that is used for 10 days and that sticks to just inside the upper lip. The patch is time released and contains chlorhexidine and nicotinamide (vitamin B3 / niacin). This approach helps to prevent plaque, tarter and controls bad breath. If her teeth or gums are bad enough, she might need an antibiotic.

There are also products you add to a dog's water to help
maintain oral hygiene to use along with a daily brushing, such as Biotene Drinking Water Additive, or AquaDent Drinking Water Additive for Dogs.

Folic acid alone or as part of a B Complex supplement can help with gingivitis. It is thought that Folic acid included in a B complex supplement also benefits the heart, so this is something to talk to your vet about, ask for a dosing recommendation.

If your dog is able to eat it, dry foods are slightly better than canned foods at keeping plaque from accumulating on the teeth. There are also specially formulated foods which reduce the amount of plaque on teeth. Dogs that chew on various toys or edible dental chews may remove some of the plaque build-up. A beef knuckle or shin bone is an almost irresistible treat you might use to encourage your dog to chew.

I don't think anyone can tell you how long your dog may live, but that can be said of any dog, not just yours. However long you have together, it's time that's full of love. Cherish everyday, and you'll never regret a moment.


I hope I've been a help.
Best of luck,
Patti