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
DeerhoundRecommended standard
DobermannMandatory testMandated by Dobermann-Verein e.V. (DV)
Fila BrasileiroRecommended standard
Neapolitan MastiffRecommended standard
Spanish MastiffRecommended standard
Standard SchnauzerRecommended standard
American English CoonhoundAlso recommended
AzawakhAlso recommended
BeauceronAlso recommended
BoerboelAlso recommended
BoxerAlso recommended
BroholmerAlso recommended
Ca de BouAlso recommended
Castro Laboreiro DogAlso recommended
Caucasian Shepherd DogAlso recommended
Chart PolskiAlso recommended
Cimarron UruguayoAlso recommended
Dogo ArgentinoAlso recommended
Estrela Mountain DogAlso recommended
Germanic Bear DogAlso recommended
Giant SchnauzerAlso recommended
Great DaneAlso recommended
Irish WolfhoundAlso recommended
Kangal Shepherd DogAlso recommended
Treatment cost
Estimated range of typical treatment costs. Actual costs depend on severity, clinic and region.
Frequently asked questions
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.