![]() But there are no conclusive studies yet that can confirm this. Following the USFDA’s report, many believed that boutique, exotic, or grain-free (BEG) diets cause DCM. The United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA), saw an increase in the number of DCM cases in breeds on a grain-free diet containing peas, lentils, potatoes, and legumes. If your dog has high brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal Pro-B-Type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in the bloodstream, it can be a sign of existing heart disease.īut while genetics is a factor in canine DCM, diet also influences its development. Screening tests for at-risk breeds include Echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart), 24-hour Holter monitoring (recording of dog’s heart rate and rhythm), and testing for natriuretic peptide levels (substances produced by the heart). This is why it’s important to do early screening, especially if your dog is among the breeds at risk such as Doberman Pinschers, Boxers, Irish Wolfhounds, Great Danes, and Cocker Spaniels.ĭogs that are screened early for DCM can live for 1 to 4 years. Meanwhile, dogs that are already showing symptoms may survive for 6 to 24 months if given adequate medical care. Genetics can play a role in canine DCM development. Genetics and early screening of DCM in dogs Read on to know more about canine DCM and how you can prevent it. Signs of DCM in dogs include: reduced exercise tolerance, abnormal heart sounds or irregular heart rhythm, coughing and excessive panting, lethargy, loss of appetite, swelling of the abdomen, and fainting. In most cases, dogs with DCM won’t show symptoms until the disease has progressed into the late stages. This pressure weakens the heart’s pumping and may cause the heart valves to leak, leading to fluid buildup in the dog’s chest or abdomen. When a dog has DCM, all the 4 chambers of the heart become dilated or enlarged. ![]() However, recent reports suggest a potential link between taurine deficiency and grain-free diets with canine DCM. For many years, it has been considered a genetic condition. Canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a serious disease that causes inflammation of the heart muscle. ![]()
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