Replying to a message of Matt Munson to All:

 MM> Its alleged that my sister's new puppy has a stage 3 heart murmur
 MM> during thenew puppy checkup that she had to do within 72 hours of
 MM> pickup from thebreeder. Should my sister get a second opinion?

I would.  Although at the second vet I'd just request a physical checkup rather
than specify what might be wrong with it.

 MM> Yeah
 MM> we are getting attached to thislittle rascal, but hopefully this will
 MM> mend within the next 2 months or so, orI guess the dog will be
 MM> getting salmon and rice food regularly. I wouldnt want to take this
 MM> rascal back where the breeder will just keep it asher house pet. But
 MM> hopefully it will be a stage 1 or 2 murmur at worse, andnothing wrong
 MM> at best. 

If the problem is in fact life-threatening the choices are either to have it
taken care of -
assuming that can be done - or put the pup to sleep if that becomes
necessary.  If it isn't life-threatening I'd be inclined to just live with it.

Note that I just spent $1,500 at the vet.  Cycled all twelve dogs through for
shots and
checkups.  There were some 'issues' (3 ear infections, 1 had to be neutered, 2
got RFID
chips, all needed to be de-wormed).

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 * Origin: Bob's Boneyard, Emerson, Iowa (1:300/3)