Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Question 1

What is Myopathy?

Answer 1

Dysfunction of Muscle Fibers

Question 2

What is Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy?

Answer 2

Dilation of all heart chambers caused by weak, thin and flabby cardiac muscle

Question 3

Dilation of all heart chambers caused by weak, thin and flabby cardiac muscle

Answer 3

Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Question 4

Which dogs are primarily effected by Dilated Cardiomyopathy?

Answer 4

-Older, male, large and giant breed dogs
- rare in dogs less than 12kg

Question 5

What dietary factor could possibly contribute to the development of Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy?

Answer 5

Grain free diets causing Taurine deficiency

Question 6

How does the dilation of the heart chambers affect cardiac output and cardiac afterload?

Answer 6

Cardiac Output: decreased
Cardiac Afterload: Increased

Question 7

What ECG pattern often accompanies DCM?

Answer 7

Atrial Fibrillation

Question 8

DCM is a progressive disease and is almost always fatal. What are the clinical signs? 4

Answer 8

1. Weakness
2. Exercise intolerance
3. Syncope (fainting)
4. Left sided murmur (Mitral regurgitation)

Question 9

Treatment of Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Answer 9

• No cure, keep dog comfortable
• Diuretics
• Medications

Question 9

Diagnosis of Dilated Cardiomyopathy 4

Answer 9

1. Echocardiology
2. Radiographs
3. ECG
4. Lab (cardiac bio markers)