SOUTH BEND, Ind. (WNDU) - If you take your pet to the veterinarian, you may be told your dog or cat has a “heart murmur,” but what does that mean? It could be a sign that something isn’t right with ...

Understanding the Context

There may be a genetic link between people who experience heart murmurs. These heart murmurs may be harmless or related to underlying heart disease, which can be inherited from family. Share on ... Reading Eagle: Simple blood test detects heart disease in cats [Ask the Vet] When a doctor listens to the heart of a person with a heart murmur, they may hear a whooshing, swishing, humming, or rasping sound.

Key Insights

This is due to rapid, turbulent blood flow through the heart. Heart murmurs are extra sounds heard between heartbeats that can signal a heart valve issue. Many are harmless and go away. Innocent heart murmurs are common in childhood and usually resolve on their ... Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette: ASK THE VET: Simple blood test can diagnose heart disease in cats ASK THE VET: Simple blood test can diagnose heart disease in cats Q: Rambo, my 2-year-old cat, was breathing fast during his annual wellness exam.

Final Thoughts

His veterinarian said his rapid breathing could be due to stress, heart disease or a respiratory condition such as ...