Endocardial fibroelastosis(EFE)
Also known as: Endokardiale Fibroelastose · Canine endocardial fibroelastosis · Endokardfibroelastose
Overview
What it is
Endocardial fibroelastosis is a severe heart disease where the inner lining of the heart chambers becomes abnormally thick due to an overgrowth of fiber tissue. This thickening makes the heart muscle stiff, which prevents it from pumping blood efficiently. Veterinarians diagnose this condition using an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart that evaluates chamber dilation and pumping strength.
How it presents
Symptoms usually appear in puppies or young dogs within their first few months of life. Owners may notice signs of heart failure, including coughing, difficulty breathing, extreme tiredness, and slow growth.
Treatment
This condition is incurable, and therapy is focused on lifelong palliative care using heart medications to manage symptoms. The associated veterinary care and diagnostic monitoring typically cost between €1,000 and €3,000.
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
Affected breeds
Treatment cost
Estimated range of typical treatment cost. Actual cost depends on severity, clinic and region.
Frequently asked
What is Endocardial fibroelastosis?
Endocardial fibroelastosis is a severe heart disease where the inner lining of the heart chambers becomes abnormally thick due to an overgrowth of fiber tissue. This thickening makes the heart muscle stiff, which prevents it from pumping blood efficiently. Veterinarians diagnose this condition using an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart that evaluates chamber dilation and pumping strength.
How is Endocardial fibroelastosis tested?
Tests currently in our database: Herzultraschall (Echokardiographie).
Which breeds are most affected?
This condition isn't tied to a specific breed in our database.