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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==
Giant and large breeds (e.g. Doberman Pinscher, Irish Wolfhound and Great Dane) are most at risk.
'''Giant and large breeds''' are most at risk. Predisposed breeds include: Irish Wolfhound, Great Dane, Newfoundland, Leonberger, St. Bernard, Dobermann Pinscher, Boxer, Dogue de Bordeaux and the Portuguese Water dog.
Prevalence increases with age and the typical age at diagnosis is 6-8 years.
Prevalence increases with age and the typical age at diagnosis is 6-8 years. A severe juvenile form is recognized in the Portuguese Water dog.
Male dogs are more frequently affected than females, particularly in Doberman Pinschers.
Male dogs are more frequently affected than females, particularly in Doberman Pinschers.
Asymptomatic (occult) phase
Asymptomatic (occult) phase
* Physical examination may be unremarkable
* Soft, systolic heart murmur
* Soft, systolic heart murmur
* Arrhythmia with pulse deficits
* Arrhythmia with pulse deficits
Changes on serum biochemistry analysis may include [[azotemia]], this is common in dogs receiving diuretic therapy and is usually pre-renal in nature. Electrolyte abnormalities, such as mild hyponatraemia and hypokalaemia, are also common in dogs with congestive heart failure.
Changes on serum biochemistry analysis may include [[azotemia]], this is common in dogs receiving diuretic therapy and is usually pre-renal in nature. Electrolyte abnormalities, such as mild hyponatraemia and hypokalaemia, are also common in dogs with congestive heart failure.
'''Cardiac biomarkers''', NT-proBNP and cardiac troponin I (cTnI), may be helpful in detecting DCM. Troponin I may be elevated in cardiac disease and will also be elevated as a consequence of haemodynamically significant arrhythmias. Plasma concentrations of NT-proBNP may be elevated in pre-clinical disease and increase with severity. It is important to note that neither biomarker is specific to DCM and merely indicates the heart is under stress/stretch (NT-proBNP) or that there is damage to cardiomyocytes (cTnI).
Taurine deficiency may contribute to a DCM phenotype in the American Cocker Spaniel, Dalmatian, Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever. Most dogs with taurine-deficient DCM will have plasma taurine levels <25nmol/L. This is important to recognize, as in these cases cardiac function and prognosis can be substantially improved by taurine supplementation.
'''Taurine''' deficiency may contribute to a DCM phenotype in the American Cocker Spaniel, Dalmatian, Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever. Most dogs with taurine-deficient DCM will have plasma taurine levels <25nmol/L. This is important to recognize, as in these cases cardiac function and prognosis can be substantially improved by taurine supplementation.
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