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Canine Cardiomyopathy

© Deborah J. Myers

As with any other breed of dog, Dobermans are prone to certain health conditions. This does not make the Doberman or any other breed “sickly” breeds of dog. Prone health conditions are more likely to occur with line-bred, inbred, or poorly bred dogs; however, even well bred dogs may by some fluke have a health condition.

Cardiomyopathy is a term describing a heart condition to which Dobermans, among other breeds, are prone. Generally speaking, Cardiomyopathy involves inflammation and scarring of the heart muscle. It makes the heart less efficient for pumping blood through the dog’s body to his organs.

Usually, the lower chamber and the upper chamber lose their ability to pump blood. This causes fluid to back up into the lungs if it’s the left side and into the abdomen or area around the lungs if it’s the right side.

Between six months and two years, the condition leads to congestive heart failure and death if the illness is not quickly diagnosed and treated.

Many large breeds, including the Doberman, boxer, golden retriever, and Iris wolfhound are affected, but some small breeds are occasionally affected.

Most dogs are diagnosed between four and 10 years old. No one is really sure what causes Cardiomyopathy, but the likely culprit is genetics. Many people say that only overweight dogs become cardiomyopathic, but there is no evidence to support this. Trim dogs can get the condition, too. Certainly, excess weight exacerbates this and other conditions. With Cardiomyopathy, the dog’s heart must work harder to supply an oversized body with blood.

The only known treatment is drugs such as Lanoxin, Digoxin, or Digitalis prescribed by the veterinarian. These medications help the heart pump better and slow its rate if arrhythmias (irregular, speeded up heartbeats) exist. Some veterinarians recommend that owners of dogs with arrhythmias buy a stethoscope and keep a log of the dog’s heart rate.

Dogs treated with these drugs should be carefully watched for toxity. Loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy should be reported to the veterinarian immediately.

A balanced vasodilator, such as Vasotec, Enacard, Zestril, or Prinavil, can help the heart pump against the pressures of the arteries and veins. Since the heart is not completely working, this kind of extra help makes a big difference.

Diuretics, to induce fluid elimination, can help reduce the amount of fluid around the dog’s organs. Side effects can include increased thirst and urination

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