Congenital heart defects are most commonly discovered by listening for a heart murmur. Heart murmurs are classified by loudness, location and timing in the cardiac cycle. Puppies can have a murmur known as an innocent or flow murmur, which is not loud and is resolved spontaneously as the puppy grows, disappearing by 4-6 months of age. If physical examination suggests a cardiac abnormality, tests such as an electrocardiogram and radiographs usually are performed to assess the severity of the disease. A yearly check-up is also strongly recommended for all dogs, with very careful monitoring of the geriatric dog.
Treatments vary according to the disease.
Some are treated with medication, others with surgical intervention or a pacemaker.