This shaggy and scared-looking little gal is Little Jo, a 4-year-old miniature schnauzer. Little Jo has a Grade 2 heart murmur. The shelter vet who checked her out after her purchase was not overly concerned about this in a pet dog, because it is a low grade and it’s common in her breed.

     However, remember that these dogs were being sold as "quality breeding stock." You can bet Jo's former "owners" wouldn't give a thought to the effects the rigors of producing litter after litter would have on her poor heart -- nor care about the possibility of congenital heart disease being passed along to her pups.

     By the way, Little Jo was spayed, and groomed shortly after her surgery. Her new "do" reflects her new outlook on life!

     For more information on heart murmurs, please see the Orthopedic Foundation For Animals (OFA) Congenital Cardiac Disease page.