FAQ

Getting a dog is a long-term commitment that requires time, financial resources, and careful planning to meet the dog's daily and lifelong needs. Consider your lifestyle, budget, living situation, and readiness for ongoing care before bringing a dog home.

You should worry about a heart murmur if it's associated with signs of illness, such as lethargy, labored breathing, or weight loss, or if diagnostic tests indicate structural heart disease.

Yes, in some cases, a heart murmur in cats can indicate serious heart disease that may lead to sudden death, especially if left undiagnosed and untreated.

You should worry about a heart murmur if it is pathologic, associated with symptoms like lethargy, labored breathing, or if further testing reveals heart disease.

Yes, a heart murmur in cats can be associated with serious heart disease, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which may lead to sudden death.

You should worry about a heart murmur if it is associated with clinical signs such as lethargy, labored breathing, fainting, or if it progresses over time. Diagnostic testing is essential to distinguish innocent from pathologic murmurs.

Yes, in some cases, a heart murmur can be a sign of serious heart disease in cats, which may lead to sudden death, especially if caused by conditions like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Life expectancy varies widely depending on the cause; cats with innocent murmurs may live normal lifespans, while those with advanced heart disease may have shortened lives.

A vet will assess the heart murmur through physical examination and may recommend diagnostic tests like an echocardiogram, x-rays, or blood work to determine if it's benign or linked to underlying heart disease, guiding treatment accordingly.

Treatment depends on the underlying cause—benign murmurs may need monitoring only, while pathological murmurs often require medications and regular veterinary care.