Juvenile Dilated Cardiomyopathy(JDCM)
Also known as: Juvenile DCM · Jugendliche dilatative Kardiomyopathie · JDCM in Portuguese Water Dogs
Overview
What it is
This is a severe, inherited heart disease where the heart muscle becomes abnormally enlarged and weakened, preventing it from pumping blood effectively. It is an autosomal-recessive condition that primarily affects young Portuguese Water Dogs and Toy Manchester Terriers. In Toy Manchester Terriers, the disease is linked to a mutation in a cardiac potassium channel, which is a protein essential for maintaining a normal heart rhythm.
How it presents
Symptoms typically appear very early in life, usually within the first few weeks to months. Owners may notice rapid breathing, severe lethargy, and a sudden loss of appetite, which can unfortunately progress quickly to sudden cardiac arrest.
Treatment
There is no cure for this condition, and treatment is limited to supportive care to manage symptoms. Supportive therapy and diagnostic testing typically cost between 500 and 2500 EUR, but the disease is unfortunately fatal within a short period.
How it's tested
JDCM DNA-Test(JDCM)
Primary testDNA testEin DNA-Test zum Nachweis der genetischen Mutation, die beim Portugiesischen Wasserhund zur juvenilen dilatativen Kardiomyopathie führt.
Issuing body: other
Result scheme: Clear/Carrier/Affected
Affected breeds
Treatment cost
Estimated range of typical treatment cost. Actual cost depends on severity, clinic and region.
Frequently asked
What is Juvenile Dilated Cardiomyopathy?
This is a severe, inherited heart disease where the heart muscle becomes abnormally enlarged and weakened, preventing it from pumping blood effectively. It is an autosomal-recessive condition that primarily affects young Portuguese Water Dogs and Toy Manchester Terriers. In Toy Manchester Terriers, the disease is linked to a mutation in a cardiac potassium channel, which is a protein essential for maintaining a normal heart rhythm.
How is Juvenile Dilated Cardiomyopathy tested?
Tests currently in our database: JDCM DNA-Test.
Which breeds are most affected?
Most commonly affected: Portuguese Water Dog, Manchester Terrier, Toy Manchester Terrier.