Heart problems in dogs can be frightening, but not every murmur means a serious disease. Some are harmless and are outgrown. Others need treatment. In the Coton de Tulear, heart issues are not the most common health problem, but they do occur, and breeders are asked to screen for them.
Congenital heart disease
Some dogs are born with a heart defect. The one best documented in the Coton de Tulear is patent ductus arteriosus, or PDA. This is a blood vessel that should close shortly after birth but stays open. It is the most common congenital heart defect in dogs generally [citation:4][citation:10].
A dog with PDA may show poor growth, tiredness during exercise, or a heart murmur heard by the vet. Without treatment, many affected dogs do not live past two years of age. Surgery to close the vessel is the usual treatment and works best when done early [citation:4][citation:10].
Acquired heart disease
Older dogs can develop heart disease as they age, just as people do. This includes conditions such as valve disease or an enlarged heart. These problems are managed with medication and regular check-ups. Early diagnosis and treatment can keep a dog comfortable and extend its quality of life [citation:6].
Signs to watch for
A heart problem may not show obvious signs at first. Things to watch for include:
- A cough, especially at rest or at night.
- Tiring more easily on walks.
- Breathing faster than usual, or struggling to breathe.
- Fainting or collapsing.
- A swollen belly.
- Less interest in food or play.
A heart murmur is often the first thing a vet notices, sometimes before the dog shows any signs at all. If your vet hears a murmur, they may suggest further tests.
How it is checked
The OFA offers a Congenital Cardiac Exam, and this is one of the tests recommended for breeding Cotons [citation:3][citation:6][citation:9]. A veterinary cardiologist listens to the heart and may use an ultrasound (echocardiogram) to see the heart's structure and how it is working. An ultrasound is the best way to confirm what kind of heart problem a dog has [citation:5][citation:11].
For breeding dogs, the OFA cardiac exam is usually done at or after one year of age. Some breeders also do follow-up exams as the dog gets older.
Breeding advice
Because some heart defects are inherited, a dog with a significant heart problem should not be bred. The club encourages breeders to have their breeding dogs examined and to be honest about the results. If you are buying a puppy, ask whether the parents had a cardiac exam and whether you can see the result.
What the club recommends in 2026
As of 2026, the OFA Congenital Cardiac Exam remains part of the health screening the club encourages for breeding Cotons, alongside hips, patella, eyes and the DNA tests. If you have questions about a heart murmur or a test result, please write to us, call us, or come and visit us at a club event. Your own vet is always the first person to speak to about your dog's heart.
Sources: OFA/CHIC Coton de Tulear health recommendations, North American Coton Association, Merck Veterinary Manual, and a 2025 case report on PDA in a Coton de Tulear.
