I don't know alot of specifics, but we have a number of clients with dogs with heart problems. Most of them are on medications and some are still going strong a few years after the problem was discovered.

If it was my dog I'd be checking with another vet for a second opinon, and probably some minimal additional bloodwork, possibly some x-rays too and if warranted go to the medication. I think I'd be hesitant to be jumping into any kind of surgery for it without trying the above first and seeing where that leads.

Just my opinion anyways.

My Dusty had Congestive Heart Faillure. She'd had a murmer since at least age 5 that we know of because she came to us as a stray. Her downside is that as a cat there aren't quite as many choices available for them as there are for dogs. And to boot she was dealing with severe arthritis of which cats also get the short end of the stick on meds too. She lived about 2 years after being diagnosed and I had her PTS at the age of 17.

I hope things work out for your friend's dog.