Understanding Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease in Dogs
If your dog has been diagnosed with a heart murmur, there’s a good chance it’s due to myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD)—the most common type of acquired heart disease in adult dogs. This condition is especially prevalent in small-breed dogs like Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Dachshunds, Chihuahuas, and Toy Poodles.
Understanding Heart Murmurs in Dogs and Cats
Hearing that your dog or cat has a heart murmur can be unsettling—but it doesn’t always mean something serious is going on. A heart murmur is an abnormal sound heard during a physical exam with a stethoscope. Instead of the usual “lub-dub” of a healthy heartbeat, a murmur may sound like a whooshing or swishing noise. This happens when there’s turbulent blood flow within the heart.