Genetic Mutation Testing Service for Doberman Pinscher Dilated Cardiomyopathy
The VCGL laboratory has just released a test for the genetic mutation associated with the development of dilated cardiomyopathy in Doberman pinscher dogs. Follow the link below to test information and request forms.
Update on Doberman pinscher dilated Cardiomyopathy (DC)
Doberman pinscher DCM is an adult onset heart muscle disease that can lead to sudden death or the development of congestive heart failure where the dog starts to cough or becomes short of breath.
This is an inherited disease, but it is adult onset. The average age at which clinical signs may be observed or a Holter monitor becomes abnormal is 6 years of age. However, this is widely variant. Some dogs will show it younger and some, not until they are much older!
This disease can affect the electrical system of the heart or the contractility of the heart muscle. Since the disease is adult onset and can start at varying ages, we recommend an annual echocardiogram and Holter monitoring after 3 years of age.