Dilated cardiomyopathy(DCM)
Also known as: Dilatative Kardiomyopathie · Congestive cardiomyopathy · Herzmuskelerweiterung · DCM in dogs · Herzmuskelerkrankung · …
Overview
What it is
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a severe disease of the heart muscle where the heart's chambers become stretched and enlarged. This stretching thins the heart walls, making it difficult for the heart to pump blood effectively to the rest of the body. Over time, this decreased pumping ability can lead to fluid buildup in the lungs or abdomen.
How it presents
Symptoms typically appear in middle-aged to older dogs, usually between 5 and 10 years of age. Owners may notice their dog tiring quickly during exercise, coughing, having difficulty breathing, or experiencing sudden fainting spells.
Treatment
DCM is an incurable condition that requires lifelong daily medication and regular veterinary check-ups, including heart ultrasounds, to manage. Lifetime treatment and monitoring costs typically range from €2,500 to €9,000.
How it's tested
Herzultraschall (Echokardiographie)(Herz-Echo)
Primary testCardiac examEchokardiographie zur Beurteilung von Herzklappen, -wänden, -funktion. Pflicht z.B. bei Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (MMVD).
Issuing body: vet
Result scheme: Cardiac-OFA
DCM DNA-Test (Dilatative Kardiomyopathie)(DCM)
Primary testDNA testDCM-assoziierte Mutation (z.B. PDK4 bei Dobermann). Mehrere Mutationen je nach Rasse.
Issuing body: Labogen
Result scheme: Clear/Carrier/Affected
Labogen Komplettpaket (rassespezifisch)(Labogen-Panel)
DNA testRassespezifisches DNA-Panel (Labogen / Laboklin) — bündelt alle relevanten Erbkrankheiten der Rasse in einem Test.
Issuing body: Labogen
Result scheme: Clear/Carrier/Affected
Feragen Komplettpaket (rassespezifisch)(Feragen-Panel)
DNA testRassespezifisches DNA-Panel (Feragen, Österreich) — gleiches Konzept wie Labogen.
Issuing body: Feragen
Result scheme: Clear/Carrier/Affected
Embark Breed + Health Panel(Embark)
DNA testUS-Anbieter; 250+ genetische Erkrankungen + Abstammung. Anerkennung in DE/AT variiert je nach VDH-Verein.
Issuing body: Embark
Result scheme: Clear/Carrier/Affected
MyDogDNA Panel(MyDogDNA)
DNA testGenoscoper-basiertes Panel (Mars Petcare). 200+ Erkrankungen + Rassenkomposition.
Issuing body: MyDogDNA
Result scheme: Clear/Carrier/Affected
Affected breeds
24 of 37 breeds
Mandatory testDeerhound
Mandatory testDobermann
Mandatory testFila BrasileiroMandated by Club für Molosser e.V.
Mandatory testNeapolitan MastiffMandated by Club für Molosser e.V.
Mandatory testSpanish MastiffMandated by Club für Molosser e.V. (CfM / VDH)
Mandatory testStandard SchnauzerMandated by Standard Schnauzer Club of America (SSCA) / Canine Health Information Center (CHIC)
RecommendedAmerican English Coonhound
RecommendedAzawakh
RecommendedBeauceron
RecommendedBoerboel
RecommendedBoxer
RecommendedBroholmer
RecommendedCa de Bou
RecommendedCastro Laboreiro Dog
RecommendedCaucasian Shepherd Dog
RecommendedChart Polski
RecommendedCimarron Uruguayo
RecommendedDogo Argentino
RecommendedEstrela Mountain Dog
RecommendedGermanic Bear Dog
RecommendedGiant Schnauzer
RecommendedGreat Dane
RecommendedIrish Wolfhound
RecommendedKangal Shepherd Dog
Treatment cost
Estimated range of typical treatment cost. Actual cost depends on severity, clinic and region.
Frequently asked
What is Dilated cardiomyopathy?
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a severe disease of the heart muscle where the heart's chambers become stretched and enlarged. This stretching thins the heart walls, making it difficult for the heart to pump blood effectively to the rest of the body. Over time, this decreased pumping ability can lead to fluid buildup in the lungs or abdomen.
How is Dilated cardiomyopathy tested?
Tests currently in our database: Herzultraschall (Echokardiographie), DCM DNA-Test (Dilatative Kardiomyopathie), Labogen Komplettpaket (rassespezifisch), Feragen Komplettpaket (rassespezifisch), Embark Breed + Health Panel, MyDogDNA Panel.
Which breeds are most affected?
Most commonly affected: Deerhound, Dobermann, Fila Brasileiro, Neapolitan Mastiff, Spanish Mastiff, Standard Schnauzer, American English Coonhound, Azawakh.