Murmurs and heart health can feel overwhelming and high-stakes for any owner. Today we’ll cover how the heart works, common signs of heart problems, breed predispositions, heart murmurs, and access to heart care. Let’s dive in.
How does the heart work “normally”?
At a basic level, the heart is a pump that moves blood through the body. Blood carries nutrients to tissues to maintain bodily function. It returns from the body to the right side of the heart to be pumped out to the body again.
The heart has four chambers, two on each side. Each side contains an atrium and a ventricle, separated by a valve. During the filling phase all chambers relax and the valves between the atriums open allowing blood to enter.
When the heart is full, the atria contract and push blood into the ventricles, all those valves close. The ventricles then contract, sending blood to the lungs or body. Additional valves where blood exits the heart prevent backward flow. This process is coordinated by electrical signals from nodes in the heart.
Signs of heart problems
When it comes to keeping your pet healthy, educated observation may be one of your best tools for early intervention. Subtle signs of heart function issues may include:
exercise intolerance
weakness
increased breathing rate when sleeping
muddy brown gums
cold paws
More overt signs may include:
collapse
blue or purple gums
open mouth breathing
labored breathing (using belly muscles to breath)
abnormal heart rate
Seek veterinary care if you notice these changes in your pet.
Breed Predispositions
Heart health is vital to wellbeing and certain breeds may be more likely than the general dog population to develop heart disease. If you have a purebred dog, learning about disease predispositions may help you feel more prepared to advocate for them as they age.
If you are considering getting a purebred dog, understanding what they may be more likely to develop, and whether screening tests exist, can help prepare you for what life may bring.
Common, and beloved, breeds known to have predispositions to heart disease include:
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
Doberman Pinschers
Boxers
Golden Retrievers
Chihuahuas
In most cases, there is not genetic testing to determine individual risk, but this technology is currently being explored. This will likely evolve. Ideally, such testing may help prevent breeding of animals with specific disease genes while also helping individuals understand their dog’s risks.
What can you do to support optimal heart health?
