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Can a dog with a grade 4 heart murmur live a happy, healthy life?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

We are considering adopting a sweet 6 month old Newfie. Her breeder took her to a vet to euthanize her because of a grade IV heart murmur. She doesn’t seem to have any symptoms of serious issues at this time. The vet did not euthanize her but contacted a rescue agency, saying she could still live a happy healthy life. Should we be worried about the murmur?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on June 13th, 2019

If the vet feels she could live a healthy happy life, I would trust that assessment. Do be prepared there could be problems with the murmur down the line, but have regular vet checks for her and be sure to have an emergency veterinary fund just in case. Best of luck.

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