My family has an 11 year old Maltese, always in excellent health except for the typical small dog teeth problems, she gets a cleaning under general anasthesia about every 18 months, but they aren't clean for long.

I noticed a dry cough and ignored it for a few weeks, no other symptons.

Last night, it seemed a lot worse, so I took her to a walk in clinic.  The vet diagnosed a heart murmur, "loud" and instantly upon listening to her.

I left her for a CXR and blood work to determine the best meds for her.

What is a heart murmur, and what can I expect.?

Unfortunately, financial considerations are also in play.  Is this something that has a good chance to check with medications, so that she can extend her life, or am I about to torture her with keep her alive, but with a poor quality of life?

Thanks, all.

http://www.webmd.com/content/pages/4/1675_51096.htm

It's people info, but the concept is the same.