ROBBIE'S MURMUR WORRIES ME

Robbie's murmur is caused by a leaky valve

Friday November 6,2009

By David Grant

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Q MY CAVALIER king Charles spaniel Robbie who’s seven was recently diagnosed with a heart murmur which is apparently common in this breed. What is his outlook?

John, Lancashire

A HEART murmurs are very common in this breed. Almost invariably the murmur involves the mitral valve between the left auricle and left ventricle.

Quite often I pick it up at a routine check-up before any signs have been noticed by the owner. In these cases no treatment is necessary.

The murmur is caused by the valve being leaky and not snapping shut at each beat. Leaking blood makes a whooshing sound which is easily picked up by a stethoscope.

Over time signs of early heart failure develop. Usually the dog will cough when excited or active. Later there is a tendency to cough during the night. This is due to a build up of fluid in the lungs caused by the heart not functioning efficiently. This is often when vets get to examine the dog for the first time.

If there’s further deterioration the cough becomes persistent and there may be fainting episodes. In the late stages fluid builds up in the abdomen. This is called ascites and implies severe heart failure.

There have been enormous advances with heart drugs in recent times. several strengthen the heart beat and there are new diuretics that reduce the build up of fluid. Many dogs have a good quality of life and a normal life span.

David Grant MBE has been a vet for 41 years and works at the RSPCA Harmsworth Hospital for Animals.