Dilated Cardiomyopathy In Dogs

What is Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)?

  • Heart muscle disease that causes loss of heart muscle strength, enlargement of the heart, and a decreased ability to pump blood through the body(heart failure).
  • Dilated Cardiomyopathy affects any age dog, but occurrence increases with age.
  • Heart failure can be compared to a common pump. If the sump pump in your basement fails, water backs up into the basement; if the left heart fails, fluid backs up into the lungs; if the right heart fails, fluid backs up in the belly.
  • Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmias/abnormal electrical activity) can be a life threatening complication of this disease.

What causes DCM?

  • Dilated Cardiomyopathy occurs in families of dogs. The exact genes and/or modes of inheritance have not been fully defined and research on this continues.
  • Doberman Pinscher and Great Dane are often affected.

How is DCM Diagnosed?

  • Through a cardiac evaluation and echocardiogram (sonogram of the heart) performed by a board certified veterinary cardiologist such as those at CVCA.
  • Holter monitors are often required to check the dog’s heart rhythm over 24 hours. These devices are worn by the patient in a small backpack and usually are well tolerated.

How is Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Dogs treated?

  • The specific treatment is tailored to the individual patient.
  • Oral medications are most commonly used and many are the same as those used for people with heart disease.
  • Therapy improves the heart’s ability to pump and controls the signs of congestive heart failure.
  • Treatment extends the life of the patient while allowing the pet excellent quality of life.
  • Some patients also need medications to improve their heart rhythm. These medications are crucial to minimize the risk of arrhythmias and sudden death.

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