Canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a primary disease of the cardiac muscle that results in a decreased ability of the heart to generate pressure to pump blood through the vascular system. This condition can lead to severe health complications in dogs and requires prompt medical attention from veterinary cardiology specialists.
What is DCM in dogs?
DCM is a condition in which the heart's chambers become enlarged and the walls thin out, making it difficult for the heart to pump blood effectively. Over time, this can lead to congestive heart failure and other serious health issues.
Causes of an Enlarged Heart in Dogs
A dog of any age or breed can have an enlarged heart, but the condition is much more common in dogs between the ages of four and then.
While dilated myopathy does not have a definitive cause, many factors can contribute to the development of the condition in your pet. Nutritional deficiencies in taurine and carnitine have been proven to influence the development of an enlarged heart in dogs.
In addition, other factors, such as genetics and infectious diseases, can play a role in cardiomyopathy in dogs. Some dog breeds - especially large breeds - are known to be predisposed to developing this condition due to taurine insufficiency. They include:
- Newfoundland
- American Cocker Spaniels
- English Setter
- Golden Retriever
- Labrador Retriever
- Saint Bernard
While other breeds are genetically prone to DCM, they are not linked to taurine deficiency. These include:
- Boxers
- Irish Wolfhounds
- Great Danes
- Doberman Pinschers
If your dog is one of these breeds, take more caution about what you're feeding than the average dog owner. The longer you feed your dog the same food, the more likely he or she will be impacted by any excesses or nutritional deficiencies it contains.
Therefore, regarding DCM in dogs and diet issues, rotate foods regularly, changing between different brands of foods with different primary ingredients. Foods with primary ingredients such as peas, potatoes, lentils, and other legume seeds have been linked to the condition.
What are the signs & symptoms of DCM in dogs?
Signs of dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs may range from mild to severe as the condition progresses.
This disease is often difficult to diagnose in its early stages, as early signs of DCM in dogs do not often appear. There is sometimes a long pre-clinical phase. That said, your vet may be able to identify subtle or hidden signs of the condition during a physical examination.
This is why bringing your dog in to see us is imperative.
Our board-certified cardiologist at Hope Advanced Veterinary Center can diagnose and treat challenging cases with access to numerous diagnostic tools and treatment methods.
These are some of the most common symptoms of DCM in dogs:
- Lethargy
- Anorexia
- Labored breathing
- Panting
- Coughing
- Abdominal distension
- Sudden collapse
- Irregular or weak pulse
- Heart murmur
- Muffled breathing or crackling sound while breathing
Can DCM in dogs be reversed?
DCM is generally considered a progressive and irreversible condition. However, early diagnosis and treatment can manage symptoms and slow the disease's progression. Treatment often includes medications to improve heart function, dietary changes, and sometimes surgery. In some cases, if the DCM is caused by a taurine deficiency, supplementing the diet with taurine can lead to significant improvements.
How long can a dog live with DCM?
The prognosis for dogs with DCM varies depending on the stage of the disease and how well it is managed. With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment from a pet cardiologist, some dogs can live for several years with a good quality of life. However, advanced stages of DCM can significantly shorten a dog's lifespan, with some living only a few months after diagnosis.
What dogs are prone to DCM?
Certain breeds are more predisposed to DCM. Large and giant breeds such as Doberman Pinschers, Great Danes, Boxers, and Irish Wolfhounds are particularly at risk. Additionally, Cocker Spaniels have shown a higher incidence of DCM due to taurine deficiency. Regular check-ups with a veterinary cardiologist are crucial for these breeds to catch any signs of DCM early.
Diagnosing an Enlarged Heart in Dogs
While a routine physical examination can suggest to your cardiologist veterinarian that your pup may have an enlarged heart, a final diagnosis will require further diagnostic testing to determine if the above symptoms result from dilated cardiomyopathy.
X-rays
A chest X-ray of your dog may reveal abnormalities in its heart and lungs, such as an unnaturally large heart or fluid in the lungs. Both of these are strong indicators of dilated cardiomyopathy.
Electrocardiogram
This test monitors the electric impulses that cause your dog’s heart to beat. It can reveal heart issues such as irregular heartbeats (arrhythmia) and abnormally fast heartbeats (ventricular tachycardia), which can be detected using this method.
Echocardiogram
This diagnostic test uses ultrasound to monitor the movements and shape of your dog’s heart in real time. This test allows your vet to check your dog’s heart for tinned muscle walls and the efficacy of their heart’s contractions. This is the definitive test to determine whether your canine companion can be diagnosed with an enlarged heart.
Treatment of Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Dogs
The treatment for your dog's condition will depend on the underlying cause. If nutritional issues such as taurine deficiency are identified as a factor, treatment may involve dietary changes and supplements.
Therapies and medications will strengthen your dog's heart and improve blood circulation. If your dog has difficulty breathing due to fluid in the lungs, they may need oxygen therapy until the fluid naturally drains. Your animal cardiologist might also prescribe a diuretic to help remove the fluid, or they may need to do this manually.
It's important to note that the condition is not reversible and often worsens over time. Depending on the underlying cause, there may be no cure. In such cases, the focus will be on extending your dog's life and improving their comfort.
The long-term prognosis for dogs with this condition varies. Unfortunately, most dogs diagnosed with congestive heart failure due to this condition may not survive beyond six months. In severe cases, some dogs may live for only a few weeks to a few months. However, some dogs may show clinical improvement and live for 1 to 2 years.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.