Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) is the second most common cause of congestive heart failure in dogs. The heart wall stretches, thins and has difficulty pumping blood out into the body.
We diagnose our patients with DCM with a physical exam, history of symptoms, x-rays, blood work and an echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart).
Dogs with mild to moderate DCM do not often show symptoms such as: low or decreased energy, restlessness, weakness, weight loss, coughing, increased heart rate, increased breathing rate and/or effort, large, rounded belly and/or collapse. Symptoms tend to be seen when the disease is more serious.
There is no treatment for DCM but we have medications and lifestyle change recommendations that can slow the progression of the disease. The survival time is different for each individual. Once symptoms develop, the average survival time is generally 6 months.
We recommend daily walks, maintaining an appropriate weight and diets that have grain. Studies have shown that dogs fed a grain free diet over long periods of time have a higher rate of developing DCM.
Certain breeds such as Doberman Pinschers, Great Danes, Boxers and Cocker Spaniels are more commonly found to develop DCM.
If you have concerns that your dog may have symptoms of heart disease, please give us a call to schedule an appointment.