Dog heart murmur worsened with no symptoms. Should I see a specialist?

Question

Hi, my 12 year old border collie had a grade 2 heart murmur a year ago, he's just had his boosters and the vet said it's now a grade 4/5. The vet said he could see a cardiologist which would cost £1300. Murphy has no symptoms, he loves his walks and doesn't have a cough. My question is should I have the cardiologist investigation now or leave it as Murph has no problems. Would he only be prescribed medicine for his condition when it starts affecting him? Thanks. Pet's info: Dog | Border Collie | Male | neutered | 12 years and 10 months old | 50 lbs

Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH · Accepted Answer

I'm sorry that you are dealing with this with Murphy. A murmur only means that we hear turbulent blood flow when we listen to the heart. I am attaching a link below with more information about heart murmurs. https://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=2488 The grade of the heart murmur is just how loud it is and does not necessary mean that the condition is getting worse. The most common reason that older dogs have heart murmurs is that one of the valves in the heart is leaking. This generally will lead to heart failure over time. The reason for the cardiology referral is to figure out what is causing the murmur and if there is anything to do about it now to prevent it from getting worse. Regardless of what the cardiologist finds, it will be important to keep your vet notified of any changes in breathing, appetite, energy level or cough that may indicate the Murphy is developing heart failure and needs medications for that. Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using PetCoach.

Dog heart murmur worsened with no symptoms. Should I see a specialist?

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