Heart Murmurs in Pets: What You Need to Know

What Is a Heart Murmur in Pets?

A heart murmur is an unusual sound your veterinarian may hear when listening to your pet’s heart with a stethoscope. Normally, a heartbeat is steady and rhythmic, but a murmur produces a soft “whooshing” or swishing noise between beats. This happens when blood flow through the heart is disrupted—often because of a leaky or narrowed valve, a structural difference in the heart, or, sometimes, changes in blood flow or thickness.

Is My Pet’s Heart Murmur Serious?

It’s important to remember that a heart murmur isn’t a disease on its own—it’s a clue that your veterinarian uses to learn more about your pet’s heart.

Some murmurs are innocent and don’t indicate heart disease, while others may signal an underlying condition that needs attention. To determine the significance, your vet or a veterinary cardiologist will consider:

• The grade (loudness) of the murmur
• Its location in the heart
• Any other characteristics that might suggest disease

They may recommend additional tests, like an echocardiogram (heart ultrasound), chest X-rays, or an electrocardiogram (ECG), to better understand how your pet’s heart is working.

What Happens Next?

If your pet has a heart murmur, the next steps depend on the cause:

• Innocent murmurs: These often don’t need treatment, just regular monitoring during routine checkups.
• Murmurs caused by heart disease: Medications may help manage heart function, reduce fluid buildup, or control irregular heart rhythms.
• Severe valve disease or structural defects: In some cases, specialized procedures or surgery may be recommended to improve heart function and quality of life.

Your pet’s heart health is a team effort. By working closely with your veterinarian and a veterinary cardiologist, you can understand your pet’s condition and create a personalized plan to keep them happy, active, and comfortable.

Schedule an appointment with DoveLewis Cardiology in Portland, Oregon.