Familial Dilated Cardiomyopathy in dogs

Species: Dog
Condition: Familial Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Organ System: Cardiovascular

Familial dilated cardiomyopathy is an inherited disorder of the heart muscle characterized by poor contractility and dilation of the heart chambers causing systolic dysfunction and/or arrhythmias. An autosomal dominant mode of inheritance has been shown in Irish Wolfhounds, Boxers, Dobermans, Newfoundlands, and Weimareners while in the Portuguese Water Dog autosomal recessive transmission has been documented. Clinical signs include dyspnea, cough, depression, exercise intolerance, inappetence, fainting, weight loss, abdominal distention, and excessive thirst. There is no cure or prevention of the disease. Treatment involves managing clinical signs by using medication to increase the strength of heart contractions and adding L-carnitine and taurine to the diet.

Breeds exposed to Familial Dilated Cardiomyopathy – Research Reference
“Great Pyrenean Cross – (Giger 2003
Pyrenean Mountain Dog Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Kerry Blue Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
English Springer Spaniel – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Kerry Blue – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Pyrenean Mountain Dog – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Springer Spaniel – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
English Springer Spaniel Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Welsh Springer Spaniel Cross – (Giger 2003)
Springer Spaniel Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
“Great Pyrenean – (Giger 2003
Welsh Springer Spaniel – (Giger 2003)

Disease Author
Dr Merliza Cabriles, Professor of Veterinary Medicine

To learn more about Familial Dilated Cardiomyopathy or any other condition we invite you to search this website. Even better, pick up the phone and call your vet. Your vet knows your pet better than anyone else and is a fountain of information.