The breeder hereby wants NO responsibility now, for this pup=RED flag, imo. :mad:
second, i would recall your vet and ask for his/her professional opinion on how to accurately deal with a heart murmur that's been ranked a 3. If he ranked it, he obviously is basing his opinion on what he heard. Were any other diagonstic tests done, or was the pup just listened to? Grade 3 is considered moderate, and oftentimes shows no symptoms, until, yes, detected during a routine check up. your dog can potentially live with this without it worsening, as only about 10% of cases, of this level tend to worsen, and thereby become life threatening.
for now, keep his exercise moderate and less during the really warm months. also, keep his weight at a healthy amount, so as to not add furthur stress to his heart.
You can inquire about using beta blockers, if its progression worsens.
some additional info below:
best of luck with him, and welcome to game-dog!:)
<HR color=#fafae6 SIZE=1><CENTER><TABLE cellPadding=6 width="90%"><TBODY><TR><TD>http://www.bregorreyglens.co.uk/2003/button3_greenbullet.gif DISEASE PROGRESSION
</TD></TR><TR><TD>In the majority of cases, development of the defect does not usually progress beyond puppyhood i.e. the grading of the heart murmur would be unchanged from the age of 1 to 2 years throughout the rest of the dog's life. However, in a small number of dogs (estimated to be about 10% of those affected) the defect appears to get progressively worse over the years. This certainly gives weight to the argument that annual auscultation should be considered in those breeds known to be affected by AS.
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<HR color=#fafae6 SIZE=1></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></CENTER><CENTER><TABLE cellPadding=6 width="90%"><TBODY><TR><TD>http://www.bregorreyglens.co.uk/2003/button3_greenbullet.gif SYMPTOMS
</TD></TR><TR><TD>This hereditary heart defect may be mild and not affect the quality or longevity of the dog's life, or it may be severe and result in symptoms, such as exercise intolerance and syncope (fainting). It is also one of the causes of sudden death.
</TD></TR><TR><TD>Symptoms can occur [a] as a direct result of the defect or secondary to left ventricular hypertrophy.
</TD></TR><TR><TD>[a] A severe defect can significantly compromise the outflow of oxygenated blood from the heart to the brain and other vital organs.
</TD></TR><TR><TD>[b] Over time, the walls of the left ventricle may become "hypertrophied" (thickened). This is the left ventricle "compensating" for its increased workload. If there is excessive hypertrophy, dogs can then develop abnormal heart rhythms; these VPCs (ventricular premature contractions) can compromise the delivery of oxygenated blood from the left ventricle through the aortic valve and into the aorta.
</TD></TR><TR><TD>[b]Syncope (fainting) occurs when there is a lack of oxygen to the brain.
If the stenosis (narrowing) is severe, this can result in significantly restricted outflow of oxygenated blood from the heart and, therefore, decreased oxygen supply to the brain.
VPCs are abnormal heart rhythms, which can be initiated by stress or exertion, whereby the left ventricle contracts too early i.e. before it has filled properly. This can also result in restricted outflow and decreased oxygen supply to the brain.
</TD></TR><TR><TD>Sudden death can occur after a "run" of VPCs, which then cause the heart to go into a state of ventricular tachycardia. Instead of pumping normally, the left ventricle pumps too quickly and is therefore unable to effectively deliver oxygenated blood into the aorta, and to the brain and other vital organs, resulting in collapse and death.
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<HR color=#fafae6 SIZE=1></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></CENTER><CENTER><TABLE cellPadding=6 width="90%"><TBODY><TR><TD>http://www.bregorreyglens.co.uk/2003/button3_greenbullet.gif TREATMENT OPTIONS
</TD></TR><TR><TD>General veterinary advice to the owners of dogs with AS
</TD></TR><TR><TD> ~ Avoid strenuous exercise for the dog, especially in hot weather.
~ Do not allow the dog to become overweight.
</TD></TR><TR><TD>These are sensible precautions, which avoid putting excessive strain on the dog’s heart.
</TD></TR><TR><TD>Medication
</TD></TR><TR><TD>Beta-blockers may be prescribed for the following:
</TD></TR><TR><TD> ~ Dogs with severe aortic stenosis.
~ Dogs with evidence of left ventricular hypertrophy.
~ Dogs with evidence of VPCs.
</TD></TR><TR><TD>Beta-blockers help to improve exercise tolerance, reduce cardiac (heart) workload and prevent abnormal heart rhythms.
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