Does A Heart Murmur Lead To Enlarged Hearts In Dogs?

What leads to the enlargement of a dog’s heart? When a dog’s heart is unable to effectively contract and pump blood throughout the body, it can result in the expansion of the heart. This happens because blood accumulates within the heart, exerting pressure on both the outer walls and the heart valves. As a consequence, the heart walls become stretched and thinner. This condition, known as cardiomegaly or an enlarged heart, can have serious implications for a dog’s overall health and wellbeing. (Note: The date provided in the original passage, “15th May 2021,” doesn’t appear to be relevant to the topic and has been omitted in the revised paragraph.)

Enlargement of the heart, medically known as cardiomegaly, can potentially lead to the development of a heart murmur. This occurs when the heart’s size increases to a point where it interferes with the proper functioning of the mitral and tricuspid valves. When these valves are unable to close properly, blood may flow backwards, a condition known as regurgitation. This backward flow of blood can disrupt normal circulation and create a distinctive sound, referred to as a heart murmur. It’s important to note that if a clot obstructs blood flow, it can lead to serious complications like a heart attack or stroke. This information was last updated on May 4th, 2022.

• Irregular heartbeat.
• Hacking, persistent cough.
• Excessive panting even when resting.
• Tires easily.
• Lack of energy.
• Collapses or faints.
• Gums and/or tongue are bluish in color.
• Racing pulse.