Heart conditions in dogs, as in humans, are not an automatic death sentence. Nor are they an automatic bankruptcy if treated.

My RB cocker, Lacie, had pretty serious heart issues. I was told, by three different vets, that she would not live past six to eight years, at most. She lived to be almost seventeen.

If I were in these people's shoes, I would at the very least get some more information and opinions from vets.

If the dog were fifteen instead of five, I would give a different answer.