Inc. In the puppy, the most frequently diagnosed abnormalities are those associated with the circulatory system. All puppies should have their initial veterinary exam by twelve weeks of age so the heart functions can be monitored. Most congenital heart defects can be detected at this early age with the aid of a stethoscope.
Many heart defects cause abnormal heart sounds called murmurs.
Murmurs are the result of turbulent or abnormal blood flow created by narrowed vessels, valves or abnormal openings between heart chambers. Although many puppies may have heart murmurs that are not the result of serious disorders, they can indicate life threatening developmental problems within the heart and its closely associated vessels. The dog's circulatory system is quite similar to that of humans. The heart has four chambers. The two upper chambers are the left and right atria, while the stronger, lower chambers are the right and left ventricles .