Canine dilated cardiomyopathy: from genetics to a clinical diagnosis

Dukes McEwan, Jo ORCID: 0000-0002-0326-8251 (2025) Canine dilated cardiomyopathy: from genetics to a clinical diagnosis In: 2nd Middle Eastern & African Veterinary Congress, 2025-10-17 - 2025-10-19, Jafza One convention centre, Dubai, UAE.

PDF CANINE DILATED CARDIOMYOPATHY.pdf - Submitted version Download (284kB) | Preview

Abstract

Introduction: Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is common in mainly large or giant breeds of dogs, with prevalence of nearly 60% reported in the Dobermann. Given breed prevalence, a genetic basis to the disease has long been suspected, but the genetics is complex in most breeds, not a single gene disorder with Mendelian inheritance. Echocardiography is used to identify the DCM phenotype, although there may be equivocal echo findings especially when screening. It is important to exclude other causes of the DCM phenotype. Objectives: 1. To discuss how to make the diagnosis of DCM, and to exclude other causes of the DCM phenotype. 2. To review the genetic basis of DCM in breeds where this is known. 3. To review the management of dogs with DCM. Methods: DCM manifestations may vary according to breed. In the Dobermann, they may present with the classical DCM phenotype on echocardiography, but some may present with arrhythmias (arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy). There are good guidelines for diagnosis of DCM in Dobermanns, based on echocardiography and Holter monitoring, but such data are sparse for other breeds. Screening can be fraught, since “equivocal” diagnoses are disliked by owners and breeders. Management of DCM mainly addresses the consequences, with congestive heart failure control, support of systolic dysfunction and antiarrhythmic therapy. Dogs with preclinical DCM are usually identified by prospective screening, and the PROTECT study showed that Pimobendan slows progression in Dobermanns (no evidence in other breeds). Conclusions: DCM is common in certain breeds of dogs but may be clinically silent. Presentation type: Masterclass

Item Type:	Conference Item (Unspecified)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	DCM, Echocardiography, Holter monitoring, Genetics, Congestive heart failure.
Divisions:	Faculty of Health & Life Sciences Faculty of Health & Life Sciences > Inst. Infection, Vet & Ecological Sciences Faculty of Health & Life Sciences > Inst. Infection, Vet & Ecological Sciences > Small Animal Clinical Science
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	21 Nov 2025 08:39
Last Modified:	21 Nov 2025 08:39
Related Websites:	Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3195533
Disclaimer:	The University of Liverpool is not responsible for content contained on other websites from links within repository metadata. Please contact us if you notice anything that appears incorrect or inappropriate.