Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy(HCM)
Also known as: Hypertrophische Kardiomyopathie · Canine HCM · Herzmuskelhypertrophie · Cardiomyopathy, hypertrophic
Overview
What it is
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a severe heart disease where the muscle walls of the heart's main pumping chamber, the left ventricle, become abnormally thick. This thickening makes the chamber stiff and reduces its volume, meaning the heart cannot fill with or pump blood efficiently. Over time, this strain on the cardiovascular system can lead to congestive heart failure.
How it presents
Symptoms typically appear in young to middle-aged dogs and include rapid tiring during exercise, coughing, difficulty breathing, or sudden fainting. In some cases, the disease can progress silently and lead to sudden collapse without prior warning.
Treatment
While the condition is incurable, it can be managed with lifelong daily heart medications and regular veterinary monitoring, including echocardiograms. Lifetime management and diagnostic costs typically range from €1,500 to €6,000.
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 Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a severe heart disease where the muscle walls of the heart's main pumping chamber, the left ventricle, become abnormally thick. This thickening makes the chamber stiff and reduces its volume, meaning the heart cannot fill with or pump blood efficiently. Over time, this strain on the cardiovascular system can lead to congestive heart failure.
How is Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy 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.