The Heartful Vet

Introduction to Heart Murmurs
As a veterinarian, detecting a heart murmur during a routine examination is a common occurrence that can lead to a variety of outcomes. A heart murmur is essentially an extra or abnormal sound heard during a heartbeat. Murmurs vary widely in their significance—from harmless to potentially life-threatening conditions that necessitate further investigation.

Why Heart Murmurs Are Noteworthy
While some murmurs are simply incidental findings with no impact on the pet’s health, others can be the first indicator of underlying heart disease. It’s this uncertainty and the potential risks associated with murmurs that make them noteworthy. In my daily practice, each murmur prompts a tailored approach to determine its cause and assess the need for further action.

Exploring Common Causes
The reasons behind heart murmurs are as varied as the animals we treat. They can include:

• Valvular issues, where the heart valves do not close properly.
• Septal/ atrial defects, involving abnormal blood flow between the heart chambers.
• Heartworm disease, which strains the heart by obstructing blood flow.
• High blood pressure and narrowed (stenotic) blood vessels, creating turbulent flow.

Focus on HCM and DCM
In my day-to-day observations, two specific conditions often linked to murmurs—Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) and Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)—warrant particular attention:

• Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM): This is most commonly diagnosed in cats and involves the thickening of the heart muscle, which can lead to decreased efficiency in blood flow and potential complications like clot formation.
• Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM): Typically seen in certain dog breeds, DCM features weakened and enlarged heart muscle, making it difficult for the heart to pump effectively.

Connection to Human Cardiac Care
Having a personal connection with HCM, I understand deeply the implications of sophisticated cardiac care in humans. This knowledge fuels my dedication to ensuring that pets receive a comparable level of attention and care. The aim is always to connect clients with the right specialists, such as veterinary cardiologists, who can offer advanced treatments and management plans tailored to each pet’s needs.

Veterinary Cardiologists: The Heart Specialists
Veterinary cardiologists are crucial in the detailed assessment and management of heart conditions in pets. They utilize a range of diagnostic tools and treatments—from echocardiograms and medications to dietary recommendations—to help manage conditions that may first present as a murmur.

A Heartful Message from Daily Practice
At Heartful Vet, the heart of my message is informed by daily observations and the real-life cases I manage with an incredible team and in the practice where I work, but also in my relief work. Each blog post aims to share these insights, uncovering complex conditions and emphasizing the importance of routine veterinary care. While I try to focus on various veterinary topics, heart health remains a core interest for me but also because it has a critical impact on overall pet wellbeing.

I encourage pet owners to view veterinary visits not just as routine check-ups but as vital engagements that can lead to early detection and management of potential health issues. By staying informed and proactive, you’re playing a crucial role in maintaining your pet’s health and vitality. Let’s work together to ensure our beloved animals lead the fullest lives possible. In the wise words of an amazing vet I know named Dr. Lauren, “Well, we gotta try!”

Content Advisory: Parts of this article have been supplemented with artificial intelligence to ensure comprehensive coverage of topics and to assist in providing the most current information available. As a veterinarian, I’ve reviewed and curated this content to ensure its accuracy and relevance to our readers. However, for personalized veterinary advice, always consult with a professional directly. The views and opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of Dr. Cheryl and do not necessarily reflect the policies or positions of any other person or entity, including veterinary associations, clinics, or pet health organizations. This content is provided for informational purposes only and is based on my professional experience and understanding of pet health care.