Large Breed Dog - Heart Disease
Kay King

In large breed dogs, the most common heart disease found is Dilated CardioMyopathy DCM is a gradual weakening of the heart muscle; as the muscle becomes less efficient, the heart must work harder to pump the blood needed to oxygenate the body. The sluggish heartbeat leads to the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen and often in the lungs as well. Some dogs also develop atrial fibrillation as the disease progresses which adds the risk of uneven heartbeat.

DCM is most often seen in Saint Bernards, Cocker Spaniels, German Shepherds, Irish Wolfhounds, Golden Retrievers, Doberman Pinschers and Boxers. It often begins in middle-aged dogs but may not be diagnosed until it has advanced to the symptomatic stage. Although not yet proven, it is likely that dilated cardiomyopathy is genetic. In Boxers and Cocker Spaniels, the disease has been found in rare cases to be a result of a taurine deficiency.

Symptoms of DCM are loss of energy, bloated appearance of the abdomen, excessive huffing or panting and occasional coughing (especially at night). It is not uncommon for dogs to have a mild seizure at the onset of dilated cardiomyopathy although seizures do not continue as the disease progresses.

An initial diagnosis is made when the veterinarian hears a racing or unevenly beating heart through a stethoscope and is confirmed by echocardiogram (ultrasound). The normal heartbeat for large dog breeds is similar to that of humans at about 70-80 beats per minute. Dogs with advanced heart disease will often have heartbeats of 200-250 bpm as the weakened heart pumps desperately to maintain the body's blood supply.

There is no cure for DVM but the progress of the disease can often be slowed by administering a cocktail of medications. The goal medicating is to improve cardiac function so as to decrease the heart's workload. In addition, fluid accumulation must be prevented and in most cases a medication to control arrhythmia is required. Medications most often prescribed are diuretics such as Salix, digoxin to increase the strength of contraction of the heart muscle and ACE inhibitors to aid blood flow through the vessels.

Although treatable, dilated cardiomyopathy is not curable. With early treatment, some dogs can live for a number of years - but most often the medications will provide relief for a limited only. Dogs with advanced symptoms can be expected to live 4-8 months with proper medication. The value of the medication is that while it may increase the dog's life by only a few months, it will greatly improve the quality of those last few months.

Author Kay King works from her home on the Mississippi Coast. For more articles And information about everything dogs, please visit her site www.my-dogs-rule.com