Should I treat my senior dog's heart murmur if he has no symptoms?

Question

What is your advice on treating an asymptomatic grade V/VI heart murmur in a senior dog with no symptoms of heart failure? Pet's info: Dog | Beagle | Male | neutered | 135 lbs

Linda G, MS, DVM · Accepted Answer

Hello. I would need to know a little more information about Walter's heart first, such as with an x-ray & ECG, but if he is not coughing, there are no crackles or wheezing in his chest, he seems to have good energy, & appetite is normal, then no, I would not necessarily put him on any medication. But I would recommend rechecking chest radiographs in 6-12 months. I would also recommend doing a NT-proBNT test. If the results are high, then Walter may be at risk for actually developing congestive heart failure, & treatment with pimobenden is indicated. A low to normal NT-proBNP, I would not start any medications yet. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Should I treat my senior dog's heart murmur if he has no symptoms?

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