{"id":4180,"date":"2024-04-17T11:44:58","date_gmt":"2024-04-17T11:44:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/?p=4180"},"modified":"2025-11-01T10:35:15","modified_gmt":"2025-11-01T10:35:15","slug":"what-is-dilated-cardiomyopathy-in-dogs-the-big-heart-disease","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/pet-health\/what-is-dilated-cardiomyopathy-in-dogs-the-big-heart-disease\/","title":{"rendered":"What is Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Dogs: The Big Heart Disease?\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs is caused by the gradual thinning and weakening of the heart muscles. As the cardiac muscles become weaker and thinner, the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The blood pools in the heart increasing the pressure and stretching out the already thin heart muscles. The stretching gives the heart an enlarged appearance which is called dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

Is Degenerative Mitral Valve Disease Related to Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Dogs?<\/span><\/h2>\n

DCM and <\/span>Degenerative Mitral Valve Disease (DMVD)<\/span><\/a> have similar presentations in dogs, but they are two distinct disorders.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Many dogs in advanced stages of Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) may have mitral regurgitation and heart murmur.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Both the diseases have strong genetic links. DMVD mostly affects senior dogs belonging to smaller breeds. Whereas DCM is common in larger dog breeds.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Which Dog Breeds are Predisposed to Dilated Cardiomyopathy?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Typically large dog breeds are predisposed to dilated cardiomyopathy. In fact, it is a leading cause of heart failure among large breed dogs!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

However, there have been records of medium-large breeds developing DCM as well.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Doberman<\/p>\n

Some breeds that are most predisposed to dilated cardiomyopathy include –<\/span><\/p>\n