Posted by Lynn on December 08, 2002 at 12:21:31:
In Reply to: Re: I JUST RESCUED A MINIATURE POODLE posted by garaywolf on December 06, 2002 at 17:27:53:
The chances are very good to just about definite that her poor dental health is what is causing the murmur. Endocarditis is an infection that can set in that is due to bacteria from the mouth making its way from the gums, through the blood, to the heart. Bacteria in the bloodstream can also cause severe kidney problems. I wouldn't be surprised if her bloodwork shows her kidneys to be out of whack too. The good news is that this will right itself once dental health is acheived. Your vet will want to premedicate with antibiotics most likely and the dog will probably receive a penicillin injection shortly after the dental before she wakes up. It is important that she receive antibiotic therapy before and after the surgery as lots of bacteria will be released into the bloodstream during the surgery. The medication will keep any harm from coming to her from infection. The vet and his or her assistant will also likely have your dog hooked up to a machine that will amplify the sound of her heartbeat and will hear immediately if anything is awry. Having the dental will be her best option for a long and healthy life with you.
In humans, one of the major factors that increased our life expectancy was the advent of good dental hygeine. The same things (endocarditis, kidney, liver failure) were common causes of death by infection in people at what seems like a very young age. It is still common in very poor countries. Good luck!!!
Lynn
