Camo16 Posted July 12, 2011 Share Posted July 12, 2011 Have recently purchased a little stafford pup, who at 10 weeks was diagnosed with a Grade 3 Heart Murmur. He is now 16 weeks and the murmur has not changed, its been checked once a fortnight at the moment. The vet was talking about medications initially. From what my Vet has told me Grade 1 and 2 Mumurs in puppies can fix themselves, a Grade 3 Murmur cannot. Just looking for other peoples experiences with the same and what to expect throughout his life? My worst fears are that he will just drop dead, as he is my 6yr old sons dog. He has already 'collapsed' after playing quite vigorously. I know that they can live somewhat long and happy lives, its just somewhat distressing knowing something is wrong with our new little baby. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keira&Phoenix Posted July 12, 2011 Share Posted July 12, 2011 Was your pup purchased through a breeder? If so it is very important that you notify your breeder about the pups diagnosis. I would be consulting with a specialist to get advice on how to handle puppy. Obviously puppies are quite active and want to run and play but it is quite concerning the pup has already collapsed once. You will need to limit exercise etc. Only a vet familiar with these types of conditions will really be able to give you an idea of what is best for the puppy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Camo16 Posted July 12, 2011 Author Share Posted July 12, 2011 Was your pup purchased through a breeder? If so it is very important that you notify your breeder about the pups diagnosis. I would be consulting with a specialist to get advice on how to handle puppy. Obviously puppies are quite active and want to run and play but it is quite concerning the pup has already collapsed once. You will need to limit exercise etc. Only a vet familiar with these types of conditions will really be able to give you an idea of what is best for the puppy. Yes he is a Mains Registered pup. The breeder is aware, although my vet states it has to be genetic, it is not 'proven' on paper. I don't really want to get into a discussion on the breeder as its a pretty raw topic of discussion at the moment. I am seeing the vet again next week so I'll talk to him about specialists. I have spoken to a lot of people who have dogs with heart murmurs not being treated by specialists, just their normal vets so I was sort of hoping to not have to go down that track. My vet can do echo's etc although he doesn't think its necessary in regards to his treatment...yet. I don't mind spending money on him....although he is a $3500 puppy at 16 weeks and my bank account would probably appreciate him not having to be seen by a specialist at this point in time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jumabaar Posted July 12, 2011 Share Posted July 12, 2011 A specialist can be as cheap as $160 for an initial consult! So dont rule it out completely just as a way of getting a second opinion, even if you just use it as a once off. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keira&Phoenix Posted July 12, 2011 Share Posted July 12, 2011 You said you were concerned about your dog dropping dead. I was saying a specialist or a vet very experienced with Grade 3 Heart Murmur's is the best person to seek advice from as you need to be well aware of what your pups limitations are otherwise you could allow him to over work himself and he could possible die or you could end up with even bigger vet bills trying to save him if he gets very ill from over exertion. It is a condition that needs to be closely monitored but also MANAGED properly, ie: diet and exercise is important to make sure he is getting the right type and amounts of each. Vets/Specialists who are very experienced with this particular condition are going to be your best bet in getting the right info. The extra $160 - $200 will be worth it in the long run. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andisa Posted July 12, 2011 Share Posted July 12, 2011 Have recently purchased a little stafford pup, who at 10 weeks was diagnosed with a Grade 3 Heart Murmur. He is now 16 weeks and the murmur has not changed, its been checked once a fortnight at the moment. The vet was talking about medications initially. From what my Vet has told me Grade 1 and 2 Mumurs in puppies can fix themselves, a Grade 3 Murmur cannot. Just looking for other peoples experiences with the same and what to expect throughout his life? My worst fears are that he will just drop dead, as he is my 6yr old sons dog. He has already 'collapsed' after playing quite vigorously. I know that they can live somewhat long and happy lives, its just somewhat distressing knowing something is wrong with our new little baby. Was your pup purchased through a breeder? If so it is very important that you notify your breeder about the pups diagnosis. I would be consulting with a specialist to get advice on how to handle puppy. Obviously puppies are quite active and want to run and play but it is quite concerning the pup has already collapsed once. You will need to limit exercise etc. Only a vet familiar with these types of conditions will really be able to give you an idea of what is best for the puppy. Yes he is a Mains Registered pup. The breeder is aware, although my vet states it has to be genetic, it is not 'proven' on paper. I don't really want to get into a discussion on the breeder as its a pretty raw topic of discussion at the moment. I am seeing the vet again next week so I'll talk to him about specialists. I have spoken to a lot of people who have dogs with heart murmurs not being treated by specialists, just their normal vets so I was sort of hoping to not have to go down that track. My vet can do echo's etc although he doesn't think its necessary in regards to his treatment...yet. I don't mind spending money on him....although he is a $3500 puppy at 16 weeks and my bank account would probably appreciate him not having to be seen by a specialist at this point in time. Sorry about your pup - but if this was mine I would be returning him asap and demanding a full refund. Is he a blue Stafford? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crisovar Posted July 12, 2011 Share Posted July 12, 2011 I would most certainly be seeking an accurate diagnosis of exactly what is causing the murmur. You may need to be prepared to break your sons heart. If it was me, I would get a diagnosis and possibly be returning the pup, some conditions could most certainly mean a very reduced lifespan. A badly affected pup may never be able to play as it should with your son. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gretel Posted July 12, 2011 Share Posted July 12, 2011 I would most certainly be seeking an accurate diagnosis of exactly what is causing the murmur. You may need to be prepared to break your sons heart. If it was me, I would get a diagnosis and possibly be returning the pup, some conditions could most certainly mean a very reduced lifespan. A badly affected pup may never be able to play as it should with your son. Yes I am in complete agreement here. A sorry situation but I can't see a good outcome. Were you aware the pup had a murmur when you bought it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OSoSwift Posted July 12, 2011 Share Posted July 12, 2011 I would most certainly be seeking an accurate diagnosis of exactly what is causing the murmur. You may need to be prepared to break your sons heart. If it was me, I would get a diagnosis and possibly be returning the pup, some conditions could most certainly mean a very reduced lifespan. A badly affected pup may never be able to play as it should with your son. Yes I am in complete agreement here. A sorry situation but I can't see a good outcome. Were you aware the pup had a murmur when you bought it? I was going to say the same thing. You may upset your son initially, but can then buy a puppy without a heart murmer when so young. That way your son and the puppy can have a normally healthy relationship into old age instead of starting well behind the 8 ball. I would return the puppy for a full refund. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Camo16 Posted July 12, 2011 Author Share Posted July 12, 2011 I would most certainly be seeking an accurate diagnosis of exactly what is causing the murmur. You may need to be prepared to break your sons heart. If it was me, I would get a diagnosis and possibly be returning the pup, some conditions could most certainly mean a very reduced lifespan. A badly affected pup may never be able to play as it should with your son. Yes I am in complete agreement here. A sorry situation but I can't see a good outcome. Were you aware the pup had a murmur when you bought it? Yes he is blue. I had no idea about the issues regarding them until I spoke to the SBT club of Vic today. It was a very expensive lesson to learn. There was no murmur detected at 6 weeks. The same vet that did the 6 week vet check picked up the murmur at 10 weeks. There is possibly no good outcome, which is something we will just have to live with. I will not return him knowing he will be PTS. I really just wanted to know if there wasd anyone in the same situation that could share their dogs life and maybe what I should expect? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crisovar Posted July 12, 2011 Share Posted July 12, 2011 I would most certainly be seeking an accurate diagnosis of exactly what is causing the murmur. You may need to be prepared to break your sons heart. If it was me, I would get a diagnosis and possibly be returning the pup, some conditions could most certainly mean a very reduced lifespan. A badly affected pup may never be able to play as it should with your son. Yes I am in complete agreement here. A sorry situation but I can't see a good outcome. Were you aware the pup had a murmur when you bought it? Yes he is blue. I had no idea about the issues regarding them until I spoke to the SBT club of Vic today. It was a very expensive lesson to learn. There was no murmur detected at 6 weeks. The same vet that did the 6 week vet check picked up the murmur at 10 weeks. There is possibly no good outcome, which is something we will just have to live with. I will not return him knowing he will be PTS. I really just wanted to know if there wasd anyone in the same situation that could share their dogs life and maybe what I should expect? You need a diagnosis before one could even begin to look at that, so a specialist opinion is what you need sorry. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pudel Posted July 12, 2011 Share Posted July 12, 2011 I just want to add an extra vote to the idea of visiting a specialist. My husband is a vet, and when he worked in private practice, he felt that often, it was a cheaper option for the client to see a specialist than them treat it. This was due to a specialist being quicker (surgery wise) and just more experienced and able to treat in the best way quicker. Now it depends on the issue, and if it was my pup, I would be happy for my hubby to treat a heart murmur (well when he worked in private practice) as small animal medicine was his interest, and he had done extra study in it. If I had bought up a specialist he would have informed me (I am talking as a client, not a wife) that he was comfortable treating and why. If you have a good rapport with your vet, you should be able to ask these questions and feel you are getting the right advice. Sometimes a vet is unlikely to offer a specialist as they dont think the owner is in the financial position, other times because they dont believe it is warranted. So have the conversation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WreckitWhippet Posted July 12, 2011 Share Posted July 12, 2011 Return the pup to the breeder and ask for a refund or cut your losses and PTS. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kajtek Posted July 12, 2011 Share Posted July 12, 2011 (edited) Since you've decided to keep the pup (btw I'd do the same) please visit a heart specialist. That's the only way to know if the condition can be managed successfully. My sister's bullmastif had a grade 8 heart murmur. She lived till 6 and died of cancer not heart failure. Edited July 12, 2011 by HonBun Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Camo16 Posted July 12, 2011 Author Share Posted July 12, 2011 Since you've decided to keep the pup (btw I'd do the same) please visit a heart specialist. That's the only way to know if the condition can be managed successfully. My sister's bullmastif had a grade 8 heart murmur. She lived till 6 and died of cancer not heart failure. Nice to know I'm not the only one who would keep him Anyone got any recommendations for a heart specialist in Melbourne? I'm in the West but I don't mind travelling if need be. I had no idea the pup had a murmur when I brought it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WreckitWhippet Posted July 12, 2011 Share Posted July 12, 2011 Since you've decided to keep the pup (btw I'd do the same) please visit a heart specialist. That's the only way to know if the condition can be managed successfully. My sister's bullmastif had a grade 8 heart murmur. She lived till 6 and died of cancer not heart failure. Nice to know I'm not the only one who would keep him Anyone got any recommendations for a heart specialist in Melbourne? I'm in the West but I don't mind travelling if need be. I had no idea the pup had a murmur when I brought it. Then it becomes a consumer affairs issue, you are entitled to return the pup and get your money back. SBT's are supposed to be an active and robust dog. I have experienced HM's within the breed and the best thing to do for an SBT with a murmur, is PTS as a baby puppy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andisa Posted July 12, 2011 Share Posted July 12, 2011 (edited) Since you've decided to keep the pup (btw I'd do the same) please visit a heart specialist. That's the only way to know if the condition can be managed successfully. My sister's bullmastif had a grade 8 heart murmur. She lived till 6 and died of cancer not heart failure. Don't think they go that high? http://www.bregorreyglens.co.uk/as.html http://dogs.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Canine_Heart_Murmur Edited July 12, 2011 by Andisa Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kajtek Posted July 13, 2011 Share Posted July 13, 2011 (edited) Yep, apparently the scale was (is?) 1-10. Maybe things have changed/different classification is used, but that's the assessment she was given. Edited July 13, 2011 by HonBun Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WreckitWhippet Posted July 13, 2011 Share Posted July 13, 2011 the scale is 1-6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bartok Posted July 13, 2011 Share Posted July 13, 2011 i had a kelpie x puppy with a grade 4 sadly due to other issues she was PTS a few months ago but he heart did great. If she didnt have her other many issues she would still be going strong. she would run around at the park like a lunatic etc. We had her for over 3yrs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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