Hey [MENTION=7596]lucybaby[/MENTION]! When your vet diagnosed her with a grade 3, did he recommend getting an echocardiogram done? When both my boys were diagnosed, an echo was recommended and they could get a better idea of what was actually going on with their heart. Mine were then further diagnosed with Pulmonic stenosis which a narrowing of the pulmonary artery going from the lungs to the heart. Sebastian's is more severe than Remy's. With PS, it just means that their life span could be shortened but there is no set time. My cardiologist said he has a bulldog patient who presented with PS and is still around at the age of 10 and other dogs have only made it to 18 months -3 years. Sebastian is 2 and Remy is 1. They take medication to help the blood flow through their heart a little better, they have to get yearly echos done with the cardiologist and I just have to watch for signs of fluid building up in their lungs by looking for increased swelling in their abdomens or coughing more.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch with me
I know that this may not be directly related to what you are asking but I thought it may be helpful: A few years back I had a Shih-tzu and he was diagnosed with a heart murmur & the vet said it was the highest level that there is so basically that if it got any worse it would be fatal. The vet put him on 3 different medications (I know one was Lasix and I can't remember the others) and also a special food b/c he had liver issues as well. To make a long story short here with the medication, food, and regular vet visits Kim-Chee lived another 5 years He was 9 years old when diagnosed. I know EBS don't live that long usually but just wanted to tell that story to let you know that there is plenty of life for your dog after being diagnosed with a heart murmur as long as he is well taken care of!
Sorry to hear this. I would take her to a cardiologist to see what is exactly going on with her and then you will know more about what is going on with her. Keep us posted.
thank you everyone....FORTUNITLY this is not about my Lucy, my sister was going to purchase a male with a level 3 murmur and wanted me to ask about it, she is worried taking in a dog she may lose in a short time...but.....Lucy is fine