[Dailydrool] Heart Murmur Question

[Pat Dill]

As we are addicted to adopting older hounds, we have had several bassets 
with heart murmurs over the years.  You need to question the vet more 
closely and find out what grade the heart murmur is.  Some are very mild and 
will have no outward effect on the dog; others are more severe and call for 
medication (which is the same medication used for humans and is usually 
quite inexpensive).  You should also mention the panting and see what the 
vet says; in my experience if the dog is panting because of the heart murmur 
she should surely be on some kind of medication for it.

It is fairly likely that the heart murmur, especially in an older dog, will 
eventually worsen and possibly even result in congestive heart failure or a 
heart attack.  But with regular vet visits and medication where necessary 
that process could take many years.

Don't worry about it unduly; make another appointment with the vet and go 
prepared with a list of questions.

You'll feel better about it, I'm sure.

Pat Dill