Dilated Cardiomyopathy

While there are three types of canine cardiomyopathy, Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is most common in Great Danes and also most deadly.

In layman's terms this is basically a "sick heart" in which the chambers, typically the left ventricle, become enlarged. The thin wall of the affected chamber stretches, hampering the hearts ability to properly pump blood. The poorly functioning heart works "overtime" in an attempt to keep up with required blood flow, fluid also builds in the lungs and other areas of the dogs abdomen.

If cardiomyopathy is suspected, your Veterinarian may refer you to a canine cardiologist for diagnostic tests such as an electrocardiogram, and/or an echocardiogram. An X-ray of your dogs chest is usually performed as well to assess the size of the heart, and look for fluid intrusion of the lungs and pulmonary vessels.

There are drugs such as Lanoxin (Digoxin, Digitalis) that can help strengthen heart contractions as well as slow the heart's pace. Other diuretic medications like Lasix®, or the generic brand Furosemide®, are used to reduce fluid in the lungs, (pulmonary edema). However, these medications only increase the quality of life for the affected dog over its final days.

Many write that the "buckets of pills" required to treat their Danes have a "wasting away" effect. Sadly, a dog with this disease may die within weeks to months from heart failure.

Some owners of DCM dogs recall initial signs of dog heart disease as an unexpected cough, like the dog is trying to clear its throat. Sadly, once we notice symptoms, the dog heart disease in most cases has passed its initial phases and fully manifested.

Additional warning signs can include sudden loss of coordination, or lameness during exercise, unexplained labored breathing, lethargy, and change in appetite.

Dog heart disease such as cardiomyopathy can strike even the healthiest of show dogs, a very scary thought. Guess that's why Danes are often referred to as the "heart break breed".

Four tearful stories of Great Danes with dog heart disease are available at Ginnie Saunder's site, beginning with "Gone in a Phlash".

Thought provoking realization of how swiftly and tragically our healthy, strong, loving companions can be taken from us.