04/22/2026
Sometimes, it’s the smallest findings that make the biggest difference.
Winston came to his primary veterinarian for a routine visit and dental planning—something many pets go through every year. During that visit, a heart murmur was detected. While Winston felt perfectly normal at home, his care team recommended a cardiology evaluation before moving forward with anesthesia.
That decision made all the difference. 🐾
At his cardiology visit, Winston was diagnosed with degenerative mitral valve disease, a common heart condition in dogs. Advanced imaging showed that while his heart was still pumping well, there were early structural changes—specifically enlargement of the left atrium and some valve leakage.
The good news? Winston is not in heart failure, and thanks to early detection, we were able to start medication to support his heart before more serious signs develop.
His family was also given simple but powerful tools to monitor him at homelike tracking his sleeping breathing rate to help catch any changes early.
Because of this proactive approach:
✨ Winston can safely move forward with his dental care
✨ His condition will be closely monitored over time
✨ And most importantly—he gets to keep living his happy, normal life at home
Winston’s story is a reminder that routine exams matter. A simple murmur, caught at the right time, can lead to early intervention and a much better long-term outcome.
We’re so proud to be part of Winston’s care team and to support him every step of the way. 🐶💙