Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a progressive primary disease of the heart muscle. This disease results in a dilated (enlarged) and weakly contracting (squeezing) heart muscle that causes less efficient pumping of blood. As a result, there is a rise in pressure and volume within the heart that can eventually lead to congestive heart failure (highlight and link the word congestive heart failure), the development of arrhythmias, and sudden death.

DCM more commonly affects middle-aged large breed dogs while medium to small breed dogs are less commonly affected. Of the large breed dogs, the Doberman Pinscher is one of them most common breeds (highlight the word common breeds) to be affected. The disease appears to be heritable in a few breeds with some genetic mutations recently found to be associated in some breeds with DCM. Depending on the prevalence of the disease within a breed population and the mode of inheritance, screening protocols for certain breeds may be recommended prior to breeding.

Dogs can live with the disease without showing any obvious clinical manifestations. (highlight and link clinical manifestations) This is considered the occult form of the disease and can last years. However, once dogs with the disease are showing signs, the prognosis is worsened and therapy can be instituted to improve their quality of life.


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