Possible Causes of Murmurs Murmurs can be caused by a variety of cardiac and non cardiac diseases. Some diseases that can affect the heart but are not caused by an underlying heart disease.
Cardiac Causes of a Murmur Subaortic stenosis
Pulmonary stenosis
Septal defects
Atrioventricular dysplasia
Tetralogy of Fallot
Mitral Stenosis
Aortic Valvular Insufficiency
Pulmonic Valvular insufficiency
Patent Ductus Arteriosus
Arteriovenous fistula
Cardiomyopathy
Chronic Valvular Heart Disease in Cats - Endocardiosis
Non-cardiac Causes of a Murmur
Fever
Anemia in Cats
Infection causing endocarditis
Hyperthyroidism
Heartworm Disease
Pericardial Disease
Tumors
Obesity
Cachexia
Pregnancy
Treatment
Treatment depends on the underlying disease. There are a variety of causes of heart murmurs and each is managed differently. Some are serious and require medication or even surgery. Others are innocuous and do not require any treatment at all.
Prognosis
The prognosis of pets with a murmur is variable. It depends on the underlying cause for the murmur.
Home Care and Prevention
There is no home care for heart murmurs, except that you should administer any medications your veterinarian prescribes. If you suspect that your pet has a heart murmur, you should discuss diagnostic options with your veterinarian. Animals with heart murmurs should be monitored periodically to determine if disease is progressive.
