Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Great Dane Dogs
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), characterized by chamber dilatation and myocardial systolic and diastolic dysfunction, is one of the most common heart diseases in dogs. Several theories concerning genetic, nutritional, metabolic, inflammatory, infectious, or drugor toxininduced myocardial disease have been discussed. Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a common cardiac disease of Great Dane dogs. The disease is characterized by progressive loss of myocardial systolic function, eccentric dilation, atrial fibrillation, and congestive heart failure. DCM carries a poor prognosis in dogs. The treatment of dogs with congestive heart failure caused by DCM include several components.