The signs of valvular disease include a heart murmur. Heart murmurs are abnormal sounds heard through the stethoscope. They are caused by the turbulent flow of blood, such as the flow that occur across a faulty valve. It is extremely common to find heart murmurs in older dogs due to mitral valve disease. Not all of these dogs have a cough or any other physical sign of illness.
Some dogs live out a normal life span with the murmur, and never develop any other problems.
It is also important to remember that an older, coughing patient with a heart murmur may have some other condition causing the cough, such as chronic bronchitis. The radiographs enable the veterinarian to evaluate the size and shape of the heart chambers, and to detect the presence of fluid in the lung fields. Other diagnostic tests such as blood chemistry analysis, complete blood count, and electrocardiogram may be indicated as well. However, there are many medications available to manage the symptoms of the disease and to improve the quantity AND the quality of life for these patients. These medications are used to reduce fluid buildup in the lungs, reduce the resistance to blood flow, and strengthen and normalize heart function.