What does a systolic murmur indicate regarding the timing of the heart sounds?

A systolic murmur occurs during the phase of the heart cycle when the ventricles are contracting, which corresponds to the systole phase. This is the time when blood is being ejected from the heart into the aorta and pulmonary artery, resulting in the characteristic 'lubb' sound associated with the closing of the atrioventricular valves. The presence of a pulse indicates that blood is being effectively circulated throughout the body, which aligns with the timing of the systolic murmur.

The correct answer reflects this relationship, as it emphasizes that the murmur occurs during systole simultaneously with the pulse. This correlation is crucial for understanding the clinical implications of heart sounds and murmurs, as it allows veterinary professionals to assess whether the heart is functioning properly during the contraction phase.