DCM in Dogs: What Is Dilated Cardiomyopathy?

What is Dilated Cardiomyopathy?

DCM disease affects the heart muscle. In dogs with DCM, dilation of the ventricles, or large chambers of the heart, reduces the heart’s ability to effectively pump blood through the body.

As the disease progresses, the heart becomes enlarged. If severe enough, signs of congestive heart failure develop.

Signs and Symptoms of DCM in Dogs

DCM affects adult dogs, typically between the ages of 5–10 years. In the early stages, there are no clinical signs of the disease. But as the condition advances, signs may include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Reluctance to exercise
• Loss of appetite

However, such symptoms aren’t exclusive to DCM. So if you’re concerned, we recommend consulting your veterinarian or testing for genetic health disorders to determine if your dog carries the disease mutation for DCM.

Causes of DCM in Dogs

Though recent news coverage has focused on a possible connection between a dog’s diet and DCM, nutrition is only one potential cause of the disease. Genetics is another.

Let’s look at both.

Genetic Causes of Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Some dog breeds appear to be predisposed to DCM. These include:

• Boxers
• Cocker Spaniels
• Doberman Pinschers
• Great Danes
• Schnauzers

Variations in the DNA of two breeds in particular—the Doberman and Schnauzer—have been linked to an increased risk of DCM.

Carrying the gene mutation for DCM, however, does not mean that a dog will automatically develop the disease.

For example, Wisdom Health can test for two DCM mutations—one found originally in Schnauzers and one in Dobermans. But our research revealed that the mutation found in Dobermans does not appear to be associated with clinical heart disease in breeds beyond the Doberman.

So, while some dogs may test positive for the mutation, the result doesn’t necessarily mean the dog will develop DCM.

Food and DCM in Dogs

The FDA is currently investigating a link between DCM and certain diets, most of which are considered “grain-free.” In particular, the FDA is looking at dog foods that feature peas, lentils and potatoes (including sweet potatoes) as primary ingredients.

Recent reports of DCM in dogs that are not considered prone to the disease—but that follow grain-free diets—spurred the investigation. While it’s ongoing, there is not yet proof that grain-free foods cause DCM.

Experts found that Taurine deficiencies can also cause DCM in dogs. Taurine is one of 20 amino acids in the body. Unlike cats, dogs are able to synthesize taurine in their bodies. So, taurine is not typically added to dog food.

However, some dog breeds—such as Cocker Spaniels and giant breeds like Newfoundlands—do appear to be predisposed to taurine deficiency because of an inherited condition called cystinuria.

The Wisdom Panel™ Health test screens for two types of cystinuria and may provide valuable information for your veterinarian.

Treatments for DCM in Dogs

DCM is a complex disease with complicated causes. But genetic testing and proactive veterinary care can help.

We recommend discussing all aspects of your dog’s lifelong healthcare—including subjects like nutrition and grain-free diets—with your veterinarian. And when selecting a dog food brand, consider choosing a company that consults board-certified veterinary nutritionists when developing its formulas.