What is a Heart Murmur?

22nd July 2015

Sometimes when searching for a new furry family member, you come across an animal that has something called a heart murmur. Although it may sound like a scary medical condition, many dogs and cats with murmurs live normal lives and never need any treatment! So what exactly is a heart murmur? A heart murmur is one of several types of abnormal sounds your veterinarian can hear when listening to your pet's heart with a stethoscope. It's often described as a "wooshing" or "shooshing" sound in between the normal rhythmic beats of the heart. There are six different grades on a number scale to describe the murmur, in which 1 is the softest and 6 is the loudest. However, only sometimes is the grade or loudness of the murmur related to the severity of the heart abnormality causing it.

The simplest way to describe the cause of a heart murmur is "turbulent blood flow", or the abnormal flow of blood through the heart. Many times heart murmurs are innocent or benign, meaning that no apparent heart disease explains the murmur. For example, murmurs that are associated with anemia (thin blood) or excitement are considered benign murmurs. However, a heart murmur combined with other symptoms can mean there is an underlying condition that needs addressed. Your veterinarian will be able to give you a specific prognosis about your pet and recommend any further treatment. For more information on heart murmurs, click here.

It is possible for a pet with a heart murmur to lead a normal life, and love you with all of their heart! Would you be willing to adopt a special furry friend? Stop by our shelter to view our some of our adoptable animals today! Click Here to View our Adoptable Animals

Pictured ibelow is Ally, a cat currently available for adoption that happens to have a heart murmur! She is around 1 1/2 years old and came to us from a Good Samaritan. Ally is a sweet, playful and affectionate girl who should make an easy transition into a forever home! Ally loves to have all of the love, pets, and attention to herself! A home without any other furry family members would be best for her. This friendly girl is ready and waiting for the "purr-fect" family to come and adopt her! Could it be you?