HEALTH
DILATED CARDIOMYOPATHY (DCM)
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is disease of the heart muscle in which the heart becomes thin walled and dilated. There are two common, important consequences of this for the affected dog. Firstly, it will develop congestive heart failure which leads to a build up of fluid in the body, especially around the lungs, and secondly, it will show dysrhythmias (abnormal heart beat) which may result in its sudden death due to a failure of the heart to pump blood adequately around the body (Martin et al 2010).
Dobermans with heart disease may live for several years without heart failure. These dogs are likely to appear normal to their owners and have no welfare problems, but heart disease can be detected by electrocardiogram (ECG– which records the electrical activity of the heart over an extended period of time (using a Holter monitor). This is a particularly valuable way of detecting DCM as sporadic dysrhythmia during a 24-hour recording is often the first detectable sign of disease (Calvert et al 1997a, Calvert et al 2000). The most powerful tool for examining the heart is ultrasonography. This enables measurement of the thickness of the heart muscle, the size of each chamber and the position and movement of each valve.
The reason why some Dobermans develop DCM is unknown. Genetic factors are certainly very important but the mechanism is unclear. Heart muscle cells have a reduced capacity to contract adequately but whether this is due to a defect in the cell structure, the proteins that make up the contractile apparatus, or in the cellular components that provide energy for contraction is unclear.
DCM can be diagnosed using ultrasound examination. Occult disease (the hidden form in which there are heart abnormalities but before any clinical signs become apparent) can also be detected using 24-hour Holter ECG monitoring.
Please note there are no accurate tests, or cure available at this time. Even with yearly holters there is no guaranteed testing, further research is needed. Note that breeders who support DCM tests are contributing to help scientist and geneticist further their research.
Regardless of any genetic test results, to protect your dog, awareness and vigilance are the key.
Symptoms of dilated cardiomyopathy in Dobermans include;
• Low oxygen delivery
• Lethargy
• Weakness
• Exercise intolerance
Pressure and fluid backs up into the lungs causing:
• Shortness of breath
• Coughing
Or even into the abdomen causing:
• Distension
• Liver dysfunction.
Some dogs develop cardiac arrhythmias (abnormal beats and irregular rhythms) that can cause sudden death.
***All of our dogs are tested through genetic testing (Embark), 24 hour holter heart monitor and echocardiogram (annually)***
vWD
Von Willebrand's disease (vWD) is a common, usually mild, inherited bleeding disorder in people and in dogs. It is caused by a lack of von Willebrand factor (vWF), which plays an essential role in the blood clotting process.Normally the body responds to an injury causing bleeding through a complex defence system. This consists of local changes in the damaged blood vessels, activation of blood cells called platelets, and the coagulation process. A reduction in von Willebrand factor leads to abnormal platelet function and prolonged bleeding times.
Three forms of the disease are distinguished based on vWF concentration and function. Dogs with Type I vWD (by far the most common) have mild to moderate bleeding abnormalities, depending on the level of vWF. The much rarer types II and III vWD cause severe bleeding disorders.
Although Dobermans are one of the breeds most commonly affected by von Willebrand's, they usually have only the milder form (Type I).
HIP DYSPLASIA
A common skeletal disease, hip dysplasia occurs when a dog’s hip joints don’t develop quite right, allowing the hips to partially dislocate. For a dog diagnosed with the condition, it can mean anything from painful wear-and-tear to extreme difficulty getting around.
What causes hip dysplasia? Mostly, it’s a genetic condition, though environmental and dietary factors also contribute to the problem. And while it tends to pop up in the bigger dog breeds like Great Danes, St. Bernards, Labrador and Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds, dogs of all sizes and breeds are susceptible.
There are also some environmental factors that cause or worsen the condtion:
If your dog shows signs of hip dysplasia, it will seem similar to the signs of arthritis – painful joints, difficulty moving, and general stiffness. In general, his hind-end will be lame and weak. It can occur in one or both hip joints. Here are some other symptoms to watch for:
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is disease of the heart muscle in which the heart becomes thin walled and dilated. There are two common, important consequences of this for the affected dog. Firstly, it will develop congestive heart failure which leads to a build up of fluid in the body, especially around the lungs, and secondly, it will show dysrhythmias (abnormal heart beat) which may result in its sudden death due to a failure of the heart to pump blood adequately around the body (Martin et al 2010).
Dobermans with heart disease may live for several years without heart failure. These dogs are likely to appear normal to their owners and have no welfare problems, but heart disease can be detected by electrocardiogram (ECG– which records the electrical activity of the heart over an extended period of time (using a Holter monitor). This is a particularly valuable way of detecting DCM as sporadic dysrhythmia during a 24-hour recording is often the first detectable sign of disease (Calvert et al 1997a, Calvert et al 2000). The most powerful tool for examining the heart is ultrasonography. This enables measurement of the thickness of the heart muscle, the size of each chamber and the position and movement of each valve.
The reason why some Dobermans develop DCM is unknown. Genetic factors are certainly very important but the mechanism is unclear. Heart muscle cells have a reduced capacity to contract adequately but whether this is due to a defect in the cell structure, the proteins that make up the contractile apparatus, or in the cellular components that provide energy for contraction is unclear.
DCM can be diagnosed using ultrasound examination. Occult disease (the hidden form in which there are heart abnormalities but before any clinical signs become apparent) can also be detected using 24-hour Holter ECG monitoring.
Please note there are no accurate tests, or cure available at this time. Even with yearly holters there is no guaranteed testing, further research is needed. Note that breeders who support DCM tests are contributing to help scientist and geneticist further their research.
Regardless of any genetic test results, to protect your dog, awareness and vigilance are the key.
Symptoms of dilated cardiomyopathy in Dobermans include;
• Low oxygen delivery
• Lethargy
• Weakness
• Exercise intolerance
Pressure and fluid backs up into the lungs causing:
• Shortness of breath
• Coughing
Or even into the abdomen causing:
• Distension
• Liver dysfunction.
Some dogs develop cardiac arrhythmias (abnormal beats and irregular rhythms) that can cause sudden death.
***All of our dogs are tested through genetic testing (Embark), 24 hour holter heart monitor and echocardiogram (annually)***
vWD
Von Willebrand's disease (vWD) is a common, usually mild, inherited bleeding disorder in people and in dogs. It is caused by a lack of von Willebrand factor (vWF), which plays an essential role in the blood clotting process.Normally the body responds to an injury causing bleeding through a complex defence system. This consists of local changes in the damaged blood vessels, activation of blood cells called platelets, and the coagulation process. A reduction in von Willebrand factor leads to abnormal platelet function and prolonged bleeding times.
Three forms of the disease are distinguished based on vWF concentration and function. Dogs with Type I vWD (by far the most common) have mild to moderate bleeding abnormalities, depending on the level of vWF. The much rarer types II and III vWD cause severe bleeding disorders.
Although Dobermans are one of the breeds most commonly affected by von Willebrand's, they usually have only the milder form (Type I).
HIP DYSPLASIA
A common skeletal disease, hip dysplasia occurs when a dog’s hip joints don’t develop quite right, allowing the hips to partially dislocate. For a dog diagnosed with the condition, it can mean anything from painful wear-and-tear to extreme difficulty getting around.
What causes hip dysplasia? Mostly, it’s a genetic condition, though environmental and dietary factors also contribute to the problem. And while it tends to pop up in the bigger dog breeds like Great Danes, St. Bernards, Labrador and Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds, dogs of all sizes and breeds are susceptible.
There are also some environmental factors that cause or worsen the condtion:
- Rapid weight gain and obesity, putting excessive strain on the joints.
- Nutritional factors
- Pelvic muscle mass
If your dog shows signs of hip dysplasia, it will seem similar to the signs of arthritis – painful joints, difficulty moving, and general stiffness. In general, his hind-end will be lame and weak. It can occur in one or both hip joints. Here are some other symptoms to watch for:
- “Bunny-hopping” or swaying gait
- Weakness in one or both hind legs
- Pain when touched in hip or pelvis area
- A change in behavior: reluctance to rise/difficulty rising, unwillingness to play or climb stairs, exercise intolerance, reduced activity levels
- Audible clicking sound coming from hips while walking
- Shrinking of hind leg muscles (atrophy)