My Puppy Has A Grade 1 Heart Murmur What Happens If It Gets Worse?

Well, how old is your pup? And which type? Pups do have mild murmers and grow out of them fairly often. They are usually 'benign' murmers, but not always. Did your vet talk to you about the pup maybe growing out if it? Stress and illness can sometimes be a factor. You can also try seeing an actual cardiologist and see what they think.  Many times they can live pretty normally if it's just a mild one, I had a dog who developed one (also grade 1) when older and died of old age several years late (she had a mild shunt too, long story). What happens if it gets worse is really up to the details of the murmer itself. Have you talked to your breeder yet and what did they say? Is it covered under any sort of warranty if it does become a problem (even if it's another dog) or are you considering and is it an option to return the pup for another or a refund at this point (usually only within the first few days on most contracts)? Or does the breeder want to wait and see if it gets better (or moves to grade 3, they really do grow out of them very often)? Were the parent's OFA certified for cardiac (it's not a guarantee against problems but it sure does help)? You really need to discuss this with your breeder and get them all the copies of the paperwork and keep them apprised of the situation. 1. They should know. 2. If you are interested in availing yourself of your contract they will need the actual records and things if the pup progresses upwards to grade 3 or further and it becomes apparent it is a debilitating congenital defect. You don't need to be mean or freak out and I advise against that, as they aren't likely to take it too well. You guys need to work together at this point. Your contract probably says that you are to inform them immediately of any problems or potential problems so do that if you haven't.  :-) Here's some info for you to begin to research and become familiar with it.  I'm sorry you have to go through all this worry but at this point and at a grade 1 it will most likely (not always, but most of the time) get better and you should just monitor it closely. You might want to see a specialist and see what they think if you are very concerned.

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www.mirage-samoyeds.com
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4176/is_20070225/ai_n18633917/
en.allexperts.com
www.dogster.com
http://maxshouse.com/heart_murmurs.htm

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