[gemy]

Here is some information about the grading of heart murmurs:

As you may remember learning in high school biology, the heart has four chambers—two atria and two ventricles—and the valves between each part of the heart control the flow of blood within the heart and to the lungs and the rest of the body. A heart murmur is simply vibration of the heart caused by abnormal blood flow in the heart. Heart murmurs are classified by the volume and strength of the vibration, on a scale of six. A grade one out of six murmur (1/6) is barely audible through a stethoscope. A grade three murmur can be easily heard, while grade four murmurs (4/6) can both be heard with a stethoscope and faintly felt if you place your hands on the dog’s chest. Grade six murmurs (6/6) are very loud and can be heard without the aid of a stethoscope if you simply place your ear near the dog’s chest; you can feel the strong vibration with your hands.

For me if I had a general vet diagnose a heart murmur of the grade they diagnosed it at; I would ask for a referral to the cardiologist. Let the specialist determine what is the next diagnostic step. Although I will tell you that it is amazing to watch the heart pumping with the ultrasound imaging. It is a bit pricey, but they are specialists and know what they are looking at.

If you have puppy lemon laws in your state it might be worthwhile to look up the law, and what this breeder is obligated to do under the law.

The specialist will also be able to tell you more definitely if this particular murmur is likely hereditary.

I hope that your puppy does well and that you get some clear answers soon from the specialist.