Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Dogs (DCM)

Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Dogs (DCM)

By: PetPlace Veterinarians

Section: Overview

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a disease characterized by dilation or enlargement of the heart chambers and markedly reduced contraction. The left ventricle is most always involved. Advanced cases demonstrate dilation of all cardiac chambers.

DCM is very common in dogs, representing the most common reason for congestive heart failure (CHF). This heart disease also can cause heart valve leakage causing heart murmurs or abnormal electrical activityHol-ee Mol-ee Extreme
For the more aggressive chewer and larger dogs, the JW Pet Company Hol-ee Mol-ee Extreme offers the same fun as the famous Hol-ee Roller plus added du... of the heart-producing arrhythmias (irregular or abnormal heartbeats). Large and giant breed dogs, especially males, are predisposed. DobermanDoberman Pinchers Book
Barron's Doberman Pinchers Book provides sound advice on feeding, training, grooming, and much more. Titles in the extensive Complete Pet Own... pinschers, Irish wolfhounds, Scottish Deerhound, boxerBoxer Owners Book
This companionable, quick-to-learn breed has long been a favorite among dog owners. Books in Barron's Complete Pet Owner's Manuals series pres..., Afghan hound, Old English Sheepdog, Great Danes, Dalmatians, Newfoundlands, and Saint Bernards are common breeds. English and American cocker spanielCocker Spaniels Book
The Cocker is the smallest of the sporting dogs, but for years it has been just as popular as a house pet. Barron's Cocker Spaniels Book provides ... breeds and Portuguese waterFresh Flow Pet Fountain
Pets are naturally attracted to fresh flowing water. This unique silent fountain won’t scare your pet when drinking from bowl or ramp. Ultra Qui... dogs also develop DCM.



The clinical condition of canine DCM can range from overtly healthy (occult disease) to severe heart failure. Some dogs experience primary electrical disturbances (arrhythmia) such as atrial fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia.

The disease is thought to be genetic in Doberman pinschers, Irish wolfhounds, Newfoundlands, boxersBoxer Owners Book
This companionable, quick-to-learn breed has long been a favorite among dog owners. Books in Barron's Complete Pet Owner's Manuals series pres..., and Portuguese water dogs. The disease is sometimes seen in Dalmatians fed a low protein diet and in cockerCocker Spaniels Book
The Cocker is the smallest of the sporting dogs, but for years it has been just as popular as a house pet. Barron's Cocker Spaniels Book provides ... spaniels and gold retrievers with taurine deficiency.

The average age of onset is 4 to 10 years, although Portuguese water dogs can acquire the disease when very young.

DCM is very serious and the mortality rate, even of treated cases, is very high.

What to Watch For

  • Shortness of breath
  • Coughing
  • ExerciseLaunch A Ball
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  • Collapse
  • Abdominal distension
  • Lethargy
  • Loss of appetite

    The advent of these problems should alert you that a serious emergency is at hand.

     
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