Can a vet treat a heart murmur?
Physiologic heart murmurs do not require any treatment; however, regular monitoring of a dog that has evidence of a physiologic murmur is advised to ensure that no other problems develop.
Can a dog’s heart murmur get better?
Many of the causes of heart murmurs are treatable, and in some cases, may resolve on their own. In more serious cases, however, especially with older dogs, the prognosis may be more guarded, but just remember that catching a heart murmur is the first step toward addressing the disease.
Do Lhasa Apso have heart problems?
Heart Disease Heart failure is a leading cause of death among Lhasa Apsos in their golden years.
What happens when an old dog has a heart murmur?
Heart murmurs in these dogs may indicate that they have a disease called dilated cardiomyopathy (with a subsequent leaky mitral valve). Dilated cardiomyopathy is a disease of the pumping chamber (ventricle) of the heart where the muscle becomes weakened and the contraction of the heart is decreased.
What is the life expectancy of a Lhasa Apso?
As such, this small breed is known for its large bark and its fearlessness. The Lhasa Apso is long lived, with life expectancy ranging from 12 to 14 years and some dogs living until 20 years. The breed is generally healthy but can be prone to various eye problems; sebaceous adenitis, a skin condition; and renal cortical hyperplasia.
What kind of eye problems does a Lhasa Apso have?
These dogs are known to be susceptible to hereditary progressive retinal atrophy, in which the retina is subject to deterioration. Dogs to be bred should be screened for the condition. The Lhasa can also develop cherry eye, in which the tear duct erupts to the eye surface.
What should I do if my dog has Lhasa Apso?
Treatment with mineral oils, medicated shampoos, and ointments is common. The Lhasa Apso can also be prone to renal cortical hyperplasia. In this hereditary disease the kidneys are improperly developed and cannot correctly filter toxins in the blood.
Where did the Lhasa Apso breed come from?
Learn more about the Lhasa Apso and their specific health needs here. The Lhasa Apso originated in Tibet and were first bred to act as sentinels for Buddhist monasteries. As such, this small breed is known for its large bark and its fearlessness.
What causes heart failure in a Lhasa Apso?
Heart failure is a leading cause of death among Lhasa Apsos in their golden years. Most heart disease in dogs is caused by weakening of a valve. A heart valve slowly becomes deformed so that it no longer closes tightly. Blood then leaks back around this valve and strains the heart.
As such, this small breed is known for its large bark and its fearlessness. The Lhasa Apso is long lived, with life expectancy ranging from 12 to 14 years and some dogs living until 20 years. The breed is generally healthy but can be prone to various eye problems; sebaceous adenitis, a skin condition; and renal cortical hyperplasia.
These dogs are known to be susceptible to hereditary progressive retinal atrophy, in which the retina is subject to deterioration. Dogs to be bred should be screened for the condition. The Lhasa can also develop cherry eye, in which the tear duct erupts to the eye surface.
Is the Lhasa Apso the most ancient dog breed?
Recent DNA studies have shown the Lhasa Apso to be among the 14 most ancient dog breeds in human history. Owners of a Lhasa Apso should be aware of several eye conditions to which the breed is prone, some of which are hereditary and others environmental.