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My dog has a heart murmur. Can it be cured or need lifelong meds?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

My adopted dog i just receive has be diagnosed with a heart murmor. (Fluid around his heart) He is 3 years old and they put him on lasix. The only thing he does is cough, sometimes a bad cough which is why I though it was Kennel cough. He super entergetic still and shows no sign of sickeness. Just wondering if he will have to be on pills for the rest of his life and if it's curriable.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on January 10th, 2017

Congrats on your new dog! I am sorry, however, that he has a heart murmur. Unfortunately, heart disease isn't curable but the symptoms can be managed with medication. He will have to be on medication for the rest of his life, as he's already showing symptoms of heart disease (coughing, fluid around the heart). Medication will not cure it, just treat the symptoms. As time passes, the symptoms will eventually become worse, but he can be given additional medication to help with those symptoms when the time comes. He still can have a good life with you despite this, and can hopefully have a number of years with you.

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on

    A cardiac workup is strongly recommended to diagnose the cause for the fluid accumulation. This may include blood work and chest x-rays as well as an echocardiogram to assess cardiac function and architecture. The echo should be able to determine if your dog will require more medication.

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