Species: Dog
Condition: Cardiomyopathy
Organ System: Cardiovascular
Weakness of the heart muscle. It progresses slowly and gradually decreases heart’s ability to contract. In order to compensate, heart chambers become larger, resulting in inadequate circulation. This disease varies in its seriousness and clinical manifestations depending on the affected heart chambers and the severity of the changes. Owner notices dog’s weakness, shortness of breath, coughing, loss of appetite, etc. In order to diagnose the condition, cardiologic examination is required. The condition is bound to progress over time, but depending on the severity of the changes, it is possible to keep the symptoms under control with drugs.
Breeds exposed to Cardiomyopathy – Research Reference
Dobermann Cross – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Old English Sheepdog Cross – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Boxer Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Doberman Pinscher – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Doberman Pinscher Cross – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Dobermann – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Old English Sheepdog – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Boxer – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Samoyed – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Samoyed Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Disease Author
Dr Merliza Cabriles, Professor of Veterinary Medicine
To learn more about 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.
This information is accurate as at May 2014 and is subject to change without notice.
For Petmed Pet Health Insurance – pre-existing condition exclusion applies. Annual Benefit Limits and excess amounts vary based on pet health insurance plans.
