Heart Murmurs in Dogs and Cats with Liz Bode, Specialist in Cardiology

A heart murmur is often the first red flag of underlying cardiac disease, but not all "whooshing" sounds are created equal. In this clinical episode, Cardiology Specialist Liz Bode from Chestergates Veterinary Specialists joins the podcast to demystify heart murmurs in small animals. She explains the physiological differences between feline and canine murmurs, why cats "make their own rules," and how to accurately grade murmurs from one to six. The discussion covers essential diagnostic protocols, including when to prioritize echocardiography over thoracic radiographs and how to effectively utilize cardiac biomarkers like NT-proBNP and Troponin I. Liz also shares invaluable tips for the whole veterinary team; from identifying clinical "flags" like gallop rhythms and arrhythmias to coaching owners on the importance of tracking resting respiratory rates at home. Whether you are managing a Cavalier with mitral valve disease or a Maine Coon with suspected HCM, this episode provides a comprehensive guide to navigating heart disease from initial auscultation to long-term preclinical management.