Grade 2 > Grade 4

[MurphysMummy]

In just a year Murphy's heart murmur has progressed from a 2 to a 4 apparently. At the cavalier club health clinic this morning a Cardiologist listened with a stethoscope and graded him a 4. She said to get x-rays and tests done.
I'm assuming its a chest x-ray but I'm not sure what other tests there is to be done, can anyone tell me the tests that are meant to be done?
I am going to visit my vet and ask about these tests. I'm not sure weither to stick with the vet or go straight to a cardiologist??

[Cathy Moon]

I would go to a cardiologist. They will most likely get an x-ray and an ultrasound in order to do a full evaluation, then he'll need to be seen regularly so they can make sure he starts on the right medicines at the right times. They might want to run a blood panel as well, before starting him on medication and they might need to monitor his blood every 6-12 months.

I just thought of another test - the cardiologist will measure his blood pressure.

[MurphysMummy]

Thanks for your reply.
I am debating either to go to my vets and get a refferal or to go straight to a cardiologist, as the cardiologists around my area only take secondray refferals.
Its so upsetting

[Cathy Moon]

Sometimes I forget how upsetting it is to hear the bad news; you just feel a terrible sinking feeling or like the rug is pulled out from under you! Please know that there are many members, myself included, who are sending cyber-hugs to you.

The only good thing about this (if there can be anything good) is that little Murphy doesn't know he's sick, and also this is your opportunity to give him extra love while you have him.

Did the health clinic cardiologist give you anything on paper? I would consider it a referral. Also, when you do get a cardiologist for Murphy, have them send copies of reports to your regular vet. Geordie's cardiologist does this automatically, and I've never been charged for it.

[MurphysMummy]

Thank you so much. This is why I love the forum as everyone is so supportive and I know i'm not the only one experiencing the problem, and that is a good point about little Murphs not knowing he's sick, bless him.
Yes I do have one piece of paperwork from today, stating that the cardiologist graded him as a 4(and the cardiologist's signature, etc), I wonder if this would count, if it does it will be alot easier than going to the vets for a referral.

[MishathePooh]

Don't panic yet - mine has a grade 0-3/4 heart murmur depending on when they listen, and he is currently 14 and not medicated with a great quality of life. The number does not always indicate the severity of the disease, just what they can hear at the time. To really know what's going on, they have to do the other tests mentioned previously. I know how difficult it is to not fret, but it might not be as bad as you're imagining. Hope the vet visits go well!

[Margaret C]

In just a year Murphy's heart murmur has progressed from a 2 to a 4 apparently. At the cavalier club health clinic this morning a Cardiologist listened with a stethoscope and graded him a 4. She said to get x-rays and tests done.
I'm assuming its a chest x-ray but I'm not sure what other tests there is to be done, can anyone tell me the tests that are meant to be done?
I am going to visit my vet and ask about these tests. I'm not sure weither to stick with the vet or go straight to a cardiologist??

I am so sorry you have had this news, but don't be too despairing, heart medication is very good now-a-days and my Grumpy William (14 years old in November ) has lived years with a grade 4 heart murmur.

The piece of paper will be a copy of the Cavalier Club heart form. I think that you may find that in the UK you will need to show this to your vet and get a referral to your local cardiology specialist.

[Wagtails]

Yes, lots of us on here are living with quite elderly dogs with heart murmurs, either with or without medication, and it doesn't stop them enjoying life, providing you are sensible about exercise in hot weather etc.

There's lots of good advice in previous threads, and, as you can see, lots of support for you too.

Try not to worry unduly, get the cardiologist's advice re medication, and just enjoy your little Murphy - life is still just the same as far as he's concerned, ie he loves you and depends on you

[MurphysMummy]

Thanks for your replys.
I emailed Cardiologist Sarah Smith and she said she is looking for dogs like Murphy as she is doing a trial of dogs with murmurs and MVD and can offer the tests for free, so I am going to call her tomorrow and make arrangements for little Murphs to have his tests done.

[Furrfoot]

Thanks for your replys.
I emailed Cardiologist Sarah Smith and she said she is looking for dogs like Murphy as she is doing a trial of dogs with murmurs and MVD and can offer the tests for free, so I am going to call her tomorrow and make arrangements for little Murphs to have his tests done.

Free tests, oh, that's great! I hope everything goes well, and you get good news.