Heart murmur

[Ammo]

I purchased a boxer from a private breeder in New Hampshire. My pup (Ammo) is 10 weeks old today. Once picking up from the breeder I had 14 days to take him to my veterinarian. The veterinarian diagnosed him with a heart murmur he said it could be nothing but I need to inform the breeder of such. He also stated that he would like the dog to see a cardiologist. My daughter has a heart murmur and her cardiologist bills are crazy.
What to do at this point, and what do I tell the breeder as far as my new boxer has a hear murmur? I don't want to be on bad terms with the breeder but I don't want to sell my house to see a cardio. for my new puppy :-(
Suggestions...rights?

[canadianjem]

what does your breeding contract say? you could ask the vet what kind of costs would be associated?
sometimes contracts say u have to return the puppy...sometimes breeders will be responsible for costs????

[2manydogs]

I am not sure what the costs are in the US but here n Canada it costs about $500 to see a cardiologist and have an Echo done.

At what grade did your vet say the murmur was? If its just a grade 1-2 then I really wouldnt worry about it as its probably just a puppy murmur and will disappear. If your vet thinks is a 3 or higher than I would contact your breeder and go from there.

[mahesh_gkumar]

Just recently went through this Mickey. It cost us 400$ (in Boston) to see a cardiologist. With insurance, we paid about 160 out of pocket. As 2manydogs said, if it is just a grade 1-2 murmur, its not a big deal. Mickey has a grade 2 murmur and we have no issues at all (no medications needed), knock on wood.

[Ammo]

Originally Posted by canadianjem

what does your breeding contract say? you could ask the vet what kind of costs would be associated?
sometimes contracts say u have to return the puppy...sometimes breeders will be responsible for costs????

It states that I have 14 days to get the pup checked out. If the vet finds the pup unhealthy within the time limit he/she can be returned for a full refund. " breeder is not responsible for any vet bills after purchase"

Thanks or the info.

[Ammo]

Originally Posted by 2manydogs

I am not sure what the costs are in the US but here n Canada it costs about $500 to see a cardiologist and have an Echo done.

At what grade did your vet say the murmur was? If its just a grade 1-2 then I really wouldnt worry about it as its probably just a puppy murmur and will disappear. If your vet thinks is a 3 or higher than I would contact your breeder and go from there.

Thanks "2manydogs" for the info. My wife is calling the vet as we speak to see his rulin on the stage. My guess is he'll give us the "I am not the cardio am you'll have to see him/her." I'll hope for a ruling from him.
Thanks again!

[Ril-Mas]

Hello and welcome to forum! I'm also from NH.

I wouldn't worry to much about the heart murmur just yet. A lot of puppies have a detectable murmur at this young stage. It's very common and most will outgrow it. What grade did the vet say it was? If it's low your puppy will most likely be fine. Do you know if your puppy comes from health tested parents?

[Ammo]

Originally Posted by mahesh_gkumar

Just recently went through this Mickey. It cost us 400$ (in Boston) to see a cardiologist. With insurance, we paid about 160 out of pocket. As 2manydogs said, if it is just a grade 1-2 murmur, its not a big deal. Mickey has a grade 2 murmur and we have no issues at all (no medications needed), knock on wood.

Holy moly @ 400-500 bucks!
The insurance states it is not for pre-existing conditions. I was told not to get insurance until after we found out from the vet if he would get a clean bill of health. So naturally we don't have ins. on the pup yet. What a dilemma.
Thank you for the insight.

[Ril-Mas]

Originally Posted by mahesh_gkumar

Just recently went through this Mickey. It cost us 400$ (in Boston) to see a cardiologist. With insurance, we paid about 160 out of pocket. As 2manydogs said, if it is just a grade 1-2 murmur, its not a big deal. Mickey has a grade 2 murmur and we have no issues at all (no medications needed), knock on wood.

Do you mind if I ask who you saw? I went to Angell Memorial in Boston with Riley last year. We were with Dr. Malakoff. I thought she was great (except she didn't mention possible side effects on one of his meds). Just curious to see if that's who you see.

[2manydogs]

If you are concerned then I would take back the puppy to the breeder. Did your puppy not have a vet check by the breeders vet prior to coming to you?