Diagnosis
During physical examination, your veterinarian may hear heart murmurs and muffled heart sounds, feel abnormal fluid accumulation in the abdomen, feel an enlarged liver, and discover signs of impaired circulation. X-rays of the chest and abdomen are useful for diagnosing heart enlargement and fluid accumulations. EKGs usually show conduction disturbances and arrhythmias. Ultrasound of the heart helps confirm the diagnosis. Urinalyses and blood tests are commonly performed to assess the effects of heart failure on other organs.
Causes
The disease usually afflicts larger breeds of dogs such as the Doberman Pinscher, Scottish Deerhound, Boxer, Newfoundland, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, and the Irish Wolfhound. However, it can also affect both the English and American Cocker Spaniel and rarely, other small breeds of dogs. The occurrence of DCM increases with age and typically has an age of onset between 4 and 10 years. The cause of DCM in dogs is still unknown; however, many factors suggest a genetic cause.
Treatment
Treatment of DCM is aimed at both improving the heart's function and controlling the signs of congestive heart failure. Drugs such as Lanoxin (Digoxin, Digitalis) are used to help the heart contract better and to slow the heart rate down if certain arrhythmias exist. Once your dog is started on Lanoxin, watch for signs of digoxin toxicity that, although uncommon, include loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. These adverse signs can hopefully be avoided by having a blood test run by your regular veterinarian 7 to 14 days after the drug is initiated. To check for appropriate levels of Lanoxin in the bloodstream, a blood test must be drawn 6 to 8 hours after your dog's morning dose of the Lanoxin.
Diuretics are also used to help both control and prevent accumulation of fluid in or around the lungs. Lasix (Furosemide) is usually the drug of choice. Potential side effects of diuretic use include increased thirst and potentially increased urination. Another essential drug that is used in the treatment of DCM is termed a balanced vasodilator. This helps the heart pump more effectively against the pressures of the arteries and veins. Examples of this drug include Vasotec, Enacard, Zestril, Prinavil, and Lotensin. These drugs are usually started gradually with a low dose and then building up to your dog's required dosage. These drugs can occasionally interact with the kidneys. Please see your regular veterinarian in 7 to 10 days, in 4 weeks, and then every three months to have a chemistry blood panel checked to assure that kidney function is preserved.
Other drugs utilized in the treatment of DCM are aimed at controlling cardiac arrhythmias (electrical disturbances in the heart). Arrhythmias can be very problematic in some cases of DCM and can even be life threatening. Certain breeds are more predisposed to this additional problem. If possible, it is a good idea to buy an inexpensive stethoscope to monitor your dog's heart rate and rhythm. Keep a journal of these records and if you are seeing a progressive increase or decrease in your dog's heart rate or hear an irregular heartbeat, please call your regular veterinarian.
It is also important for you to monitor your dog's overall attitude and outward signs. If you notice any heavy/labored breathing, coughing, fainting spells, restlessness, or profound lethargy, please see your regular veterinarian as soon as possible.
Prognosis
Long term prognosis for DCM varies considerably. Unfortunately, most dogs with signs of heart failure at the time of diagnosis die as a result of the disease within 6 months to two years. Unfortunately, some dogs, especially certain breeds with a more severe form of the disease may survive only weeks to a couple of months.
