Q: HEART MURMUR'S PUPPIES

Answered by catsluvme99 on 3/16/02, 5:04 am

A: HEART MURMUR'S PUPPIES

> WE'VE HAD OUR LITTLE "LILLI" MIMI POODLE FOR 2
> WEEKS AND SHE IS 3 MONTHS OLD NOW. THE VET JUST
> TOLD US SHE HAS "2" HEART MURMUR'S AND MIGHT NOT
> LIVE A "LONG" LIFE. SAID THERE IS NOTHING THEY
> CAN DO TO HELP. I WOULD LIKE TO UNDERSTAND THIS
> CONDITION MORE AND REALIZE IT IS GENETIC BUT WE
> DON'T CONSIDER RETURNING HER TO THE BREEDER AS
> WE'VE COME TO LOVE HER TO PIECES. SHE ACTS
> PERFECT RIGHT NOW BUT WHAT CAN WE EXPECT IN THE
> FUTURE. WILL SHE HAVE A LOT OF MEDICAL BILLS,
> EXPENSE DUE TO THIS CONDITION. IF SO WE WANT TO
> DISCUSS THIS WITH THE BREEDER AND SEE IF SHE WOULD
> BE WILLING TO HELP US. WE HAVE SPENT 24 HOURS THE
> LAST TWO WEEKS AND SHE HAS BECOME OUR BABY AND OUR
> SHELTIE JUST LOVES HER AS HER LITTLE MAMA. ANY
> HOPE OR SUGGESTIONS TO EASE OUR WORRIES?? MRS BJ
> HICKEY
> BOBJHICKEY@AOL.CO Hi Mrs Hickey,



Heart murmurs are very common in poodles. It doesn't necessarily mean she will have problems. At least not until the latter part of her life. It is also possible she will grow out of it. Many of them do. Just treat her as you would have if you didn't know. Watch her for fatigue, she will let you know when she is tired if she if playing. You want to keep her weight down for sure. Don't let her get fat, if anything keep her lean. There are special diets you can put her on once she is an adult. When she is about 1.5 years have an ecg done and see just how bad the problem is or if it has gone away. And always, always tell the vet she has it when dealing with a different one. Ask them at each exam to listen to her heart. There are many heart medications that will help if it should become a big problem. The cost shouldn't be that extravagant. Other than the ecg, and meds; with perhaps and ultrasound later if the vet deems it necessary. You will want to be sure they monitor her heart during her spay surgery. Have it done even though there is a risk. The anesthetics used now a days are a lot safer than they were say 8 years ago. I would have her spayed at the University when it's time. They have all the equipment that may or may not be needed.
Signs of stress on the heart can be a change of color of her gums, mouth area. If you ever see her turning blue then relax her straight away and if she doesn't go back to pink real soon then head to the vet. I really think this is going to turn out well for you both though.
Keep us up to date, Denise
M