What is a murmur?

A murmur refers specifically to abnormal "swooshing" sounds that are heard during the auscultation of the heart, which occur due to turbulent blood flow. This turbulence typically happens when there is improper closure of heart valves, leading to a situation where blood flows in an irregular manner. The presence of murmurs can indicate a variety of underlying conditions, such as valvular heart disease, congenital heart defects, or other cardiac abnormalities.

Understanding this is crucial for veterinary technicians, as identifying and describing heart murmurs helps in diagnosing and managing cardiovascular issues in animals. By recognizing these abnormal sounds, technicians can assist veterinarians in determining the urgency and type of further diagnostics or treatment that may be necessary, making them a key component of cardiac assessments.