HEART MURMUR

hzeimet

Hello everyone!

I am new to his forum and I am hoping to get some insight and to hear some of your experiences when it comes to heart issues in this breed.

My husband and I added our sweet little Moose to our family in October of this year.  He was diagnosed with a grade 2 heart murmur at his first puppy appointment.  I worked as a Veterinary Assistant for 3 years, so I have some knowledge of heart murmurs.  I tried not to overreact in hopes that it was just an innocent puppy murmur.  We decided to wait to see a Cardiologist until after he was reevaluated at 6 months to see if the murmur had gone away. 
Well he will be 7 months on Feb. 9^th and the murmur is still there.  The good news is that it has not gotten any worse, but it is not any better either L. 

I know that Bullies are predisposed to Sub Aortic Stenosis and Mitral Valve Dysplasia (both of which are very scary defects).  Our Veterinarian is referring us to Purdue University to have a Cardio workup done to see what we are dealing with.  Hopefully it is neither of those 2 heart defects.

I am trying to stay positive until we know more, but it is so very hard.  We love our little guy so much and it kills me to think that we may not have him for very long.

Have any of you had a Bully with either of these conditions?  Or with a heart murmur for that matter?  I would like to hear your experiences, good or bad.  Any information would be great.  I need something to get me by until we see the Cardiologist. 

Thank you!!

Here is our Moose!!

 

john800

My Lucy, had been diagnosed with a heart murmur at 10 years old. She also spiked with liver enzymes based on a Rimadyl reaction. I decided to to drop her weight to 61 and her walks were easier on her pads and her arthritis. Unfortunately Lucy on her walk last month had a heart attack and passed away. She was almost twelve. The vet thought it might have been a clot that may have broken free from the valve that was causing the murmur. It was a typical walk, and I am still devastated. There was nothing we could do I was told. I wish you the best with yours.

BulliesofNC

Welcome to the forum @hzeimet. I t sounds like Moose has yet to have any true tests conducted at this time. I wouldn't take to heart any Vet claiming Moose has a Stage 2 murmur without conducting tests to get a better idea of his condition besides the use of stethoscopes. in the event Moose has an audible murmur that is concerning to be Stage 2 or 3 murmur the usual protocol would be to conduct an EKG or at least x-ray. Personally, I would recommend a heart Doppler test and hopefully they conduct this test during your visit with a Cardiologist.

Many Bull Terrier puppies have Stage 1 murmurs when they are young puppies but more often than not the murmur subsides and goes away on it's own without any medical intervention or medication. Normally a Stage 1 or even Stage 2 murmur on a young puppy is noted and left for a follow up examination when the puppy is due for it's next set of vaccinations or at least within 6 months like what was conducted with Moose. Now that Moose is 7 months of age and still has an audible murmur you are wise to seek a professional test by a cardiologist who has the capability to detect any abnormalities and provide a course of action for correction if required.