Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Overview:

This disease is characterized by the heart muscles becoming dilated and flaccid. The heart becomes unable to circulate blood correctly and the patient eventually develops congestive heart failure and arrhythmias. This syndrome is most common in Dobermans, boxers, Great Danes, Irish Wolfhounds, Saint Bernards, and Burmese Mountain Dogs.

Causes:

While there are many theories on what may predispose a pet to develop DCM (nutritional deficiencies, viruses, hypothyroidism), an exact cause has yet to be determined.

Symptoms:

Symptoms are related to congestive heart failure: coughing, increased respiratory rate, weight loss, weakness, abdominal distension (fluid build-up). In some animals, the only clinical sign is fainting.

Treatment:

The goal of treatment is to minimize arrhythmias and the side effects of heart failure. Enalapril and pimobendan used together have shown to increase the survival time of many dogs. Diuretics will be needed if the pet is retaining fluid in the abdomen or lungs. Many medications are available to limit the number of arrhythmias and each patient will respond differently-it is imperative to find the one that the patient does well on.