Heart disease  is a common health problem in dogs, especially giant breeds. 

Heart examinations are performed by a veterinarian or veterinary cardiologist who reports findings, specifically whether there is evidence of murmur, to OFA which records the findings and issues a certificate to the dog’s owner. 

If a murmur is detected on this first examination, OFA will withhold issuance of a Cardiac certificate until the dog has undergone a more thorough examination by a veterinary cardiologist and found to be free of heart disease.  

Since many heart problems can be difficult to identify and predict, however, at this time, OFA states that it should be considered a registry and screening tool only for cardiac health. 

Heart exams should be performed on BOTH sire and dam prior to breeding. 

• Medical Definitions of Heart Terminology

DIAGRAM OF THE NORMAL CANINE HEART

• Congenital Heart Disease (OFA)

• Canine Cardiology, Anatomy Of Heart

• Cardiomyopathy in Dogs (PetPlace.com)

• Dyspnea in Dogs (PetPlace.com)

• Heart Disease in Older Dogs ((Valley VETS, UK) 

• Cardiomyopathy (University of Prince Edward Island, Canada)

• “The Mastiff and ‘The Golden Years’ Robin M. Smith, DVM:

• Common Diseases in Older Dogs: Heart disease (Pedigree.com) 

• Cardiac Diseases of Cats and Dogs (Pet’s Health, Columbia Animal Hospital)

• Dilated Cardiomyopathy 

• Dilated Cardiomyopathy 

• Canine Heart - Circulatory System - General Description

• Cardiovascular System of the Dog

• Heart Anatomy & Development

• Canine Cardiology

• Structure and Function of the Cardiovascular System
• Canine Heart - Circulatory & Respiratory General Description
• Sub-Aortic Stenosis
• Canine Heart Conditions In Layman's Terms
• Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Aortic Stenosis