Diagnosis cost
£200–£500
Treatment cost
£300–£2000
Ongoing cost
£40–£100 per month
Severity
Moderate
Treatable
Manageable
Species
Dogs
What is heart murmur?
A heart murmur is an abnormal sound heard through a stethoscope, caused by turbulent blood flow within the heart. It’s not a disease in itself but a sign of an underlying heart condition. Murmurs are graded from 1 (very soft) to 6 (very loud) and can indicate problems ranging from minor valve leakage to serious structural heart disease. Many dogs with low-grade murmurs live normal lives, while higher-grade murmurs often require investigation and ongoing management.
Symptoms to watch for
- Often no symptoms in early stages
- Reduced exercise tolerance or tiring on walks
- Coughing, especially at night or after exercise
- Increased breathing rate at rest
- Fainting or collapsing episodes
- Restlessness and difficulty settling at night
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
How is heart murmur diagnosed?
| Test | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Consultation and cardiac auscultation | £35–£65 |
| Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) | £200–£400 |
| Chest X-rays | £150–£300 |
Treatment options and costs
Monitoring only (low-grade murmurs)
£100–£300 per yearFor grade 1–2 murmurs with no symptoms and normal echocardiogram findings, regular monitoring every 6–12 months is often all that’s needed. Your vet will listen to the heart and may recommend periodic echocardiograms to check for progression.
Medical management
£40–£100 per month ongoingWhen the underlying heart disease progresses, medication such as pimobendan, ACE inhibitors, and diuretics can manage symptoms and slow deterioration. Most dogs respond well to medication and can maintain good quality of life for months to years.
Specialist cardiology referral
£500–£2,000 for assessment and treatment planComplex cases may be referred to a veterinary cardiologist for advanced imaging and tailored treatment plans. This is particularly important for breeds at high risk of specific heart conditions, such as Cavalier King Charles Spaniels with mitral valve disease.
Ongoing costs
Estimated ongoing management cost
£40–£100 per month
monthly
Breeds most at risk
| Breed | Risk level |
|---|---|
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | High |
| Dachshund | Moderate |
| Whippet | Moderate |
| Cocker Spaniel | Moderate |
| Jack Russell Terrier | Moderate |
Does pet insurance cover heart murmur?
Heart murmurs and the underlying conditions causing them are generally covered by lifetime pet insurance policies, provided the murmur was not detected before the policy began or during any exclusion period. Diagnostic investigations including echocardiograms and ongoing cardiac medication are typically covered up to your annual benefit limit. Because heart conditions often require lifelong treatment, a lifetime policy is strongly recommended over annual or time-limited cover.
