This week’s segment features Oliver the 6 year old malti-poo!! Oliver came to us when he started having extreme lethargy and increased rate of breathing. On physical exam we found that Oliver had a heart murmur and radiographs (x-rays) showed that he had fluid around his lungs. On echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) we found that Oliver had inflammation of one of the valves in his heart (endocarditis). A heart murmur is an abnormal sound heard during a veterinary exam that indicates turbulent blood flow within the heart. In dogs, murmurs are often caused by valve disease, most commonly degenerative changes of the mitral valve that allow blood to leak backward with each heartbeat. While some murmurs are mild early on, they can progress over time and lead to significant heart disease if not closely monitored.
As valve disease advances, the heart works harder to circulate blood, which can eventually lead to fluid accumulation in the lungs, chest cavity, or abdomen. This fluid buildup can cause coughing, increased breathing effort, exercise intolerance, abdominal distension, weakness, or collapse. In some cases, valve abnormalities can also increase the risk of endocarditis, a bacterial infection of the heart valves that can worsen heart function and be life-threatening if not treated promptly.Regular heart evaluations, including physical exams, imaging, and blood pressure or cardiac testing when recommended, allow us to track disease progression, detect complications like endocarditis early, and start treatment at the right time. While valve disease cannot be cured, it can often be well managed with medications and lifestyle adjustments. Ongoing monitoring helps slow progression, prevent complications, and maintain a good quality of life for dogs living with heart disease. Thanks to the prompt action and care of Dr. Field and Dr. Emerson and a strong maintenance regime, Oliver is well on his way to a long and happy life!!