

įractional shortening is a major indicator of systolic function, where values less than 20–25% suggest impaired contractility. Comparisons are ideally made against breed-specific LV measurements, but where this is not possible values should be compared to breeds of a similar size and weight. The LV end-diastolic internal diameter (LVIDd) should be measured during the onset of the QRS complex and near the end of the T wave for LV internal dimension during systole (LVIDs). The use of M-mode in conjunction with ECG allows LV measurements to be made more reliably (seeįor examples). M-mode is a time motion technique displaying the movement of structures over several cardiac cycles along a specific plane. Motion-mode echocardiogram from dogs that were classified as B) clinically normal, C) DCM showing dilation of the left ventricle and irregular filling associated with atrial fibrillation, D) DCM showing dilation of the left ventricle and a sinus tachycardia, and E) DCM (Left) alongside a motion-mode echocardiogram from a normal dog (Right), note the difference in the size of the ventricles and the amount of movement in the walls.Įchocardiography is used to assess left ventricular (LV) dimensions and function, where a dilated ventricle, based on M-mode or 2D measurements, with reduced contractility is indicative of DCM. Ī) Six lead ECG showing fast atrial fibrillation in a dog with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Congenital or acquired cardiac diseases with similar presentations to DCM must be also be excluded.

Notable other signs including weakness, inappetence, weight loss, breathlessness, coughing, increased breathing rate, collapse and lethargy are more frequent in dogs with heart failure caused by DCM, as is sudden death. As the condition develops pulmonary congestion edema may develop and abdominal fluid accumulation and/or pleural effusion may be present. The most common early clinical signs include exercise intolerance and heart murmurs/irregular heart rhythms. ), in conjunction with monitoring clinical presentation and signalment. The gold standard approach to DCM diagnosis relies on echocardiographic and 24-hour electrocardiographic (ECG) assessments ( It should also be noted that adult DCM clinical signs can vary between breeds. Stage 3 (the overt phase) includes clinical signs of congestive heart failure. Stage 2 (the preclinical or occult phase) is characterised by morphological and electrical cardiac changes with a prolonged period without overt clinical symptoms. In Stage 1, the heart appears normal, with no clinical evidence of heart disease and often includes dogs that are genetically predisposed to DCM. The development of DCM can be classified into three main stages. Diagnosis and prognosis of canine cardiomyopathyĭilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a significant cause of congestive heart failure in dogs, characterised by the enlargement and impaired contraction of the left or both ventricles.

In most cases a combination of interacting factors contribute to disease risk, initiation, and progression. The underlying causes of non-communicable diseases are varied, with a wide range of environmental and genetic factors contributing to disease. Where the causes of disease are understood it can allow for modifications in diet, behaviour, and/or preventative medicine to be prescribed, or risk-reducing surgery to be undertaken where appropriate. Prevention of disease requires a thorough understanding of the underlying causes of disease. DCM is the most common specific heart disease diagnosis within the Swedish insured canine population, following the more general diagnosis of cardiomyopathy, accounting for 10% of the cardiac diagnoses. Genetic factors, myocardial ischemia, hypertension, toxins, infections and metabolic defects have been implicated. DCM is characterised by ventricular chamber enlargement and systolic dysfunction which often leads to congestive heart failure.
