Health Condition

Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a heart muscle disease leading to progressive dilation and weakening of the heart, resulting in heart failure.

Detailed Description

Dilated cardiomyopathy is characterized by thinning and dilation of the heart chambers, reducing the heart’s ability to pump blood. It is seen in large and giant breeds, though less commonly than in Dobermans or Great Danes.

Common Symptoms

Exercise intolerance
Coughing
Difficulty breathing
Fainting (syncope)

Management Options

Medications (ACE inhibitors, pimobendan, diuretics)
Management of arrhythmias

Frequently Asked Questions

Is DCM common in large breeds?

It is rare in some breeds but has been reported in many large and giant breeds.

Can DCM be detected early?

Yes, with echocardiography and Holter monitoring.

Is DCM hereditary?

Familial forms exist in some lines.

What are the first signs?

Reduced exercise tolerance and coughing.

Can DCM be cured?

No, but it can be managed with medication.

Condition Details

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Typical Age of Onset

Middle-aged to older dogs (4–8 years)

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Testing Available

Yes

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Diagnosing Methods

Cardiac auscultation; Echocardiogram; ECG/Holter monitor

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Preventative Measures

Screening breeding dogs with echocardiography

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Related Conditions

Congestive heart failure from other causes, Pericardial effusion

Affected Breeds

Anatolian Shepherd Dog

Severity: 4/5

Rare but documented in Anatolian Shepherds; lower than some giant breeds but higher than average for all breeds. Decreased stamina in working dogs may be an early sign.

Azawakh

0 Severity: 4/5

DCM is rare in Azawakhs, but cardiac screening is recommended due to sighthound predispositions; benign arrhythmias may be present.

Beauceron

Prevalence: 3.5% Severity: 5/5

Beaucerons have a higher risk of DCM compared to many breeds, with subtle early signs such as exercise intolerance and mild cough.

Borzoi

Prevalence: 5% Severity: 4/5

Borzoi have a higher prevalence of DCM compared to the general canine population, with subtle early signs and a risk of sudden cardiac death.

Broholmer

Prevalence: 3% Severity: 5/5

Broholmers have a slightly higher than average risk for DCM among large breeds, but lower than Dobermans or Great Danes.

Cane Corso

Prevalence: 3% Severity: 5/5

Cane Corsos are among the breeds at increased risk for DCM, with a suspected genetic basis.

Caucasian Shepherd Dog

Severity: 4/5

DCM is a concern in large/giant breeds including the Caucasian Shepherd Dog, with a higher than average risk compared to smaller breeds.

Central Asian Shepherd Dog

Severity: 5/5

Dilated cardiomyopathy is reported as a concern in Central Asian Shepherd Dogs, with risk higher than average for large breeds.

Doberman Pinscher

Prevalence: 58.2% Severity: 5/5

Dobermans have the highest known prevalence of DCM among all dog breeds, with a strong genetic component and high risk of sudden death.

Dogue de Bordeaux

Prevalence: 10.5% Severity: 5/5

Dogue de Bordeaux is predisposed to early onset and rapid progression of DCM, with higher rates in males and middle-aged dogs.

German Pinscher

Severity: 5/5

DCM is rare but documented in German Pinschers. Early signs may be subtle, and annual cardiac screening is recommended for breeding dogs.

Giant Schnauzer

Prevalence: 2% Severity: 5/5

Giant Schnauzers are at higher risk for DCM compared to the general canine population; early screening is recommended.

Great Dane

Prevalence: 12% Severity: 4/5

Great Danes are among the top breeds affected by DCM, with a higher prevalence and earlier onset than most breeds.

Greyhound

Severity: 4/5

Greyhounds have a higher prevalence of benign heart murmurs due to unique cardiac physiology; true DCM is rare in this breed.

Hovawart

Prevalence: 1.5% Severity: 5/5

DCM is less common in Hovawarts than in Dobermans or Boxers, but the breed has a higher risk than non-giant breeds.

Irish Wolfhound

Prevalence: 23.5% Severity: 5/5

Irish Wolfhounds have one of the highest breed risks for DCM, with males more commonly affected and a median age of onset around 5.5 years.

Leonberger

Prevalence: 5% Severity: 5/5

Leonbergers are among the giant breeds at increased risk for DCM, with a higher prevalence than the general canine population.

Mastiff

Severity: 4/5

Mastiffs are among the large breeds at increased risk for DCM, though less so than Dobermans or Boxers. Early detection is important for management.

Neapolitan Mastiff

Severity: 5/5

Neapolitan Mastiffs are at higher than average risk for DCM, with progression often leading to heart failure or sudden death.

Pyrenean Mastiff

Severity: 4/5

Pyrenean Mastiffs have a higher than average risk for DCM among giant breeds. Subtle exercise intolerance in middle-aged dogs may be an early sign.

Saint Bernard

Prevalence: 3.5% Severity: 4/5

Saint Bernards are at increased risk for DCM compared to the general dog population, though less so than Dobermans or Great Danes.

Saluki

Prevalence: 2% Severity: 4/5

Salukis require breed-specific echocardiographic reference ranges due to unique cardiac physiology. Risk is lower than in Dobermans but present.

Scottish Deerhound

Prevalence: 12% Severity: 5/5

Scottish Deerhounds have a significantly higher risk of DCM compared to the general canine population, with a suspected autosomal dominant inheritance and incomplete penetrance.

Tosa

Prevalence: 3.5% Severity: 4/5

Tosas have a higher than average risk for DCM among large breeds. Subtle exercise intolerance or coughing in middle-aged dogs are common early warning signs.

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