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== Introduction  ==

== Introduction  ==

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is characterized by progressive '''systolic dysfunction''' (loss of myocardial contractile function) and '''ventricular dilation''' (eccentric hypertrophy).

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is characterized by progressive '''systolic dysfunction''' (loss of myocardial contractile function) and '''ventricular dilation''' (eccentric hypertrophy). This is the most common form of cardiomyopathy in dogs. There are breed predispositions and familial distributions, suggesting an underlying causal genetic mutation. An autosomal dominant inheritance pattern with incomplete and age-dependent penetrance has been reported.

==Signalment==

==Signalment==