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Heart murmur in a dog
I have a lovely female chihuahua who will soon be 9. She's had two operations only; one was a routine desexing operation, the other an operation to remove an anal gland. This was a while ago though, and she seems to be in very good health, perhaps just a bit plump.
Anyway, the vet told us a few weeks ago that she had a heart murmur, at the stage of 2 or 3 out of five (I can't recall) and stressed that she would likely start showing symptoms soon. He warned us to look out for uncharacteristic laziness and reluctance to exercise, and wet coughing -- if we spotted either of these symptoms, she was to be started on medication straight away.
Now, we haven't seen any of these symptoms yet -- she still _loves_ to go for walks -- but she does tend to snort more often now. It might just be old age or the particular physiology of the chihuahua, but I can't help but be nervous.
Two questions:
1) What _does_ a wet cough sound like exactly? I've just realised I'm not certain.
2) A dog with heart murmurs on medication -- can she still have a good, longish life? I guess my concern is her quality of life -- I would hate to see her well-being deteriorate rapidly after this diagnosis, it would pain me so much.
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It's kind of hard to figure out if it's a wet cough or a dry cough. Basically, if it's a harsh honk, and sounds like just air, then it's a dry cough. It's a gargled or ... um.. wetter cough (sorry, the only word I can think of to explain ti) then it's a wet cough.
The medication "should" be able to make her have a better quality and length of life. I only say should because I'm not sure of what medicine your vet is thinking of or what the symptoms of it would be. You should seriously consider calling your vet and asking them these questions. I have a cat that might have to go on some medications because of a heart murmur that could be caused by cardio myopathy, which is a thickening of the heart walls. If I don't put her on these medications when the time comes, then her death will be a very quick death, and quite painful for the cat, and for us to see. I've seen animals come in after death from cardiomyopathy at the animal clinic that I work at, and it's not too pretty.
I would say that the medicine shouldn't do anything bad like make her tired or sick. It should only help her heart condition stay out of the danger zone. But, you should call your vet just to make sure.
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In answer to your questions:
1) A wet cough is basically another term for a phlegm producing cough. Like when you have a bad cold and you cough stuff up, pretty much. Sorry to be graphic!
2) If the medication is stuck to strictly, there is no reason he shouldn't go on to lead a happy, normal life. I had a cat with a heart murmur and he lived a long and happy life and I imagine the same goes for dogs.
I'm sorry that your dog is ill but please try not to worry too much. As long as he takes any medication as and when required, he should be fine.
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