Species: Dog
Condition: Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Organ System: Nervous/sensory
Cardiomyopathy is a collective term for disorders of the heart muscles. If your dog has dilated cardiomyopathy then their heart muscles are weak, with the result that the heart is unable to contract normally, thereby impacting blood flow. The symptoms of dilated cardiomyopathy include breathing problems, lack of appetite and physical weakness. These symptoms generally only become evident in adult dogs, with Dobermans and Boxers being particularly susceptible to this disorder. If your dog shows these signs, your vet will arrange for an echocardiogram (ECG) scan to confirm the diagnosis before prescribing medication.
Breeds exposed to Dilated Cardiomyopathy – Research Reference
Miniature Dachshund Cross – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Old English Sheepdog Cross – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Dobermann Cross – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Finnish Spitz Cross – (Miller & Dunstan 1993)
Miniature Poodle Cross – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Miniature Doberman Cross – (Miller & Dunstan 1993)
Miniature Pinscher Cross – (Miller & Dunstan 1993)
Miniature Dachshund- Long Haired Cross – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Irish Setter Cross – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Miniature Dachshund – Smooth Haired Cross – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Miniature Dachshund – Wire Haired Cross – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Doberman Pinscher – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Doberman Pinscher Cross – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Miniature Dachshund – Wire Haired – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Miniature Dachshund- Long Haired – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Spoodle – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Miniature Dachshund – Smooth Haired – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Cocker Spaniel – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Dobermann – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
English Springer Spaniel – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Irish Setter – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Miniature Dachshund – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Miniature Poodle – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Old English Sheepdog – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Cavoodle – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Irish Red and White Setter – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Springer Spaniel – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
English Springer Spaniel Cross – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Irish Red and White Setter Cross – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Spoodle Cross – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Cocker Spaniel Cross – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Pinscher Cross – (Miller & Dunstan 1993)
Welsh Springer Spaniel Cross – (Mackin 2002)
Bichon Frise Cross – (Miller & Dunstan 1993)
Springer Spaniel Cross – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Welsh Springer Spaniel – (Mackin 2002)
Bichon Frise – (Miller & Dunstan 1993)
Finnish Spitz – (Miller & Dunstan 1993)
Miniature Pinscher – (Miller & Dunstan 1993)
Miniature Doberman – (Miller & Dunstan 1993)
Pinscher – (Miller & Dunstan 1993)
Disease Author
Dr Merliza Cabriles, Professor of Veterinary Medicine
To learn more about 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.
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.
