Max and his murmer

Hi all, help needed please, recent visit to the vet, we were told Max has a heart murmer. recently on his walks he has to stop then only continues very slowly. Today he stopped completley when I pulled him (gently) he fell over, he got up but continued on his walk very slowly, Max is coming up 8 this year, is it age or something I need to get checked, also, before slowing down he tends to heave and gag a little.?

thanks

Hi,
I would get Max into a Cardiologist, as soon as possible. Vets, as wonderful as they are, often lack the training/instruments to do an extensive heart testing. Regarding the walk, when my little guy, Charlie, was diagnosed with a heart murmer around age 10, I was told to walk him only as far as he wanted to walk. We stopped doing the complete circuit that we did in his younger days. We also stopped his walks when the weather got too hot, as it definitely affected him. There is a chance that the heaving and gagging could be related to congestive heart failure, so I would get him into a specialist right away. (Please note that I am only a lover of the breed, so you need a professional evaluation.)

What grade did your vet give for Max's heart murmur? His reluctance to walk is not likely to be simply getting older - 8 is not really old for a Cavalier, but it is the most common age for serious heart problems to emerge. I would agree with Rosewoodsteel, a visit to a cardiologist would be helpful. If you live in the West Midlands there is an excellent cardiologist, Mike Martin, whose practice is part of the Willows Referral Hospital in Solihull. He will be able to give you an accurate grade for Max's murmur and advise on treatment - there is good medication available that can really support the heart and often keep them going with a reasonable quality of life for quite some time.. If Max is insured, it would be worth having a really thorough examination done, including an ultrasound (echocardiogram), which will show what exactly is happening in Max's heart. If he is finding walking difficult you might find a pet stroller helpful - most Cavaliers love them, and it would enable you to let Max walk as far as he wants and then pop him in the stroller for the return journey. The buggy also enables them to still take part in life (and get lots of fuss!) without putting strain on their heart.

I live in the West Midlands too - in Coventry - and lost one of my Cavaliers to heart failure last year, after nursing him for about 7 months, so if you would like to meet up or ring me, I'll message you my phone/email details.

Kate and Ruby

Thanks for the replies, yes I am in the West Mids so may check out the guy in Solihull. Got another vets appointment this afternoon as Max really is'nt doing great at the moment, not eating much and keeps on with his hacking cough.

Max Update

Poor Max, rushed him to the vets this morning as no movement in him at all and breathing very shallow, vet gave him a large dose of drugs which seems to have helped a little, just hope he perks up soon.

Oh No.....please keep us updated.....my heart breaks for what you're going through....

Ive got everything crossed Max will pick up

Mel x