Heart Murmur In Elderly Mongrel Terrier

[jourdain2]

Hello,
Our (probably about 13 yrs. old) rescued mongrel terrier X with everything you have ever heard of, went to the vet's. today for his usual boosters. Everything fine (weight etc.) until she listened to his heart and announced that he had a heart murmur.

Last year the vet (different one) wasn't sure. She went on about X-ray being needed for true diagnostics to decide whether or not some medicine would help, but admitted that he seemed to be going on OK when she asked us if he were coughing etc.. he isn't. He drags us out on walks and is completely barmy as usual (we think he is brain damaged after being chucked out of a van on a French motorway). He is a happy little chappie in his own world.

So we have said 'no' to X-ray etc. (it would distress him, he's generally frightened of the world outside his little world in the village and with us).
Any practical comments and advice, please, apart from 'monitor the situation'; which is what we are doing.

[Atheist]

I'm sure you'll think me cruel, but he's a dog, not a husband or close human relative. He won't go to heaven; he won't worry about his health; he'll just live out his life and won't give it a second thought. I cried when our dog died, and I buried her in the garden in my lunch break, so I do understand a bit about human feelings. In my youth we didn't have vets or pet insurance and we were more concerned with humans than animals. I think you should give him the best love and help you can, but don't get too sentimental - we've all got to go sooner or later.

[wolf63]

If he was my dog I would leave it alone until there is something different about hin. Monitor !! his eating to make sure he feels well and all the other signs that something is off.

He's getting on in age, but not really old. There is no point in freaking him out if it can be avoided.

My cat Frankie had kidney disease and was to change to a special diet. He hated it and the vet shrugged his shoulders and said that it was better that he enjoyed life now instead of living longer and being miserable.

[lankeela]

Keep doing what you are doing - many older dogs have heart murmurs that don't affect them at all. At his age who knows how long he will have anyway, and why distress him. Vets seem to want to jump in and give anaesthetics for the slightest thing these days. I've recently had to rehome an oldie for an elderly friend who has got grotty teeth - the vet wanted to knock him out and take out most of them at a cost of about £900 - we found a 'doggy dentist' who used an ultrasound machine to cut through the plaque and cleaned them off for £80.

[lankeela]

I would also add that I don't vaccinate adult dogs and haven't done so for over 30 years. There is much evidence nowadays that vaccinations last a life time and unless you need to board him or live in an area with a lot of unregulated dogs who mix freely there is very little chance of him getting anything anyway.

[rowanwitch]

I am a great believer in if they are happy and able to do normal dog stuff leave well alone until they are struggling. You will see it when it is time, then you do the kind thing unless it's easily treatable. Another thing to look out for is if they walk a bit then lie down then get up and walk again, then lie down ... Another indicator for heart failure in older dogs and cats too for that matter.

[TheWinner]

Didn't we once have a vet on answerbank?

[jourdain2]

Thank you all. The general feeling seems to agree with us in that he is happy, not incommoded and that as long as he does not suffer he is best left as he is. We'll have to see what happens.
Atheist: I don't think you cruel. I sometimes think that we are kinder to our animals than to our humans. We've had dogs for 50 yrs. now. Some are more special than others and the more love you put in - the more it hurts. The thing is to be kind.

[Canary42]

X-rays ! A nice little earner as I found out from my dentist. I'm not a medical person, but I wasn't aware they were any use for soft body parts like a heart.

Excuse my cynicism, but a friend of mine paid a vet thousands to keep her dog alive even though it was in obvious severe pain.

It all depends on your outlook. 13 years is quite old for a dog, none of the four we had when I was growing up lasted that long. All four had to be euthanised to spare them any extended painful existence. That's what you take on board when you acquire a dog - you should take great satisfaction from the fact that you gave it so many wonderful times after its earlier experience (and indeed are continuing to do so). And it sounds as though it is still enjoying life (happy little chappie etc.) and not suffering, so let it continue. I agree with rowan - leave well alone.

[Sqad]

///////Any practical comments and advice, please, apart from 'monitor the situation'; which is what we are doing.//////

It would seem that the consensus of opinion is not the answer that you wanted.

[rowanwitch]

If you think he needs to see a vet you could find a vet who does home visits, in a country setting they usually do house calls and would probably have ultrasound and access to a mobile x-ray unit.

[jourdain2]

:) Thanks Sqad. I don't think that I was thinking particularly clearly when I framed the question. I was actually hoping that everyone would agree with the "monitor the situation" idea. it seems that they do. Mea culpa.

[Sqad]

LOL....forget it.

[Canary42]

Correction to my earlier post. A little research has shown X-rays are suitable for soft tissue.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/03/200331130021.htm

[Sqad]

Thanks Canary, I didn't know that....much appreciated.

[fitdarren]

I too have had an elderly dog with a heart murmur and the vet told me not to worry as it often happens in older dogs, so I didn't worry and the dear old lad lived to a ripe old age with no heart problems. My younger dog now has a grade 2 heart murmur which the vet says it's nothing to be concerned about unless it ups to a grade 3, it hasn't in over two years and he is fit and healthy. I think they are quite common.

[jourdain2]

Thank you very much for that, fitdarren, it's good information to have. :)

[Meaghan27]

I would guess that at least 50% of elderly dogs we see in our practice have heart murmurs. Our advice is to monitor the dog for changes in personality or signs of discomfort but otherwise just let the dog enjoy life. I struggle to understand how an x-ray can diagnose heart failure though :-)

[Sqad]

/////Any practical comments and advice, please, apart from 'monitor the situation'; which is what we are doing./////

Enlarged or abnormal shape of the heart and fine shadows at the base of the lungs.

Otherwise great answer.

[Sqad]

///// I struggle to understand how an x-ray can diagnose heart failure though :-)////

Sorry that above should have been the quote.

[jourdain2]

And Meaghan - again, thank you so very much for the info.. He (dog) did suddenly take a leap off the examination table (I caught him - I have quick reactions) and the vet. looked quite taken aback and said "He's quick, isn't he!". ;)