This video about physical examination in dogs and cats with congenital heart disease is not a complete description of all possible diseases, but a brief overview of how signalment, history and physical findings can help you to guide your diagnostic process. It provides a summary of the cardiovascular physical examination, with emphasis on cardiac auscultation and the interpretation of cardiac murmurs in congenital disease. Three main characteristics of a heart murmur (timing, localisation and grade) and how to use them as a diagnostic tool are explained. Audio examples of the different types of murmurs are provided. The difference between an “innocent” or “physiologic” murmur and a pathologic murmur is highlighted.
Although echocardiography is usually necessary to make the final diagnosis, the aim of this video is to help fine tune your differential diagnosis of congenital heart disease and guide your diagnostic decision making.