Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)
Also referred to as "Cardio"
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is where the muscle of the heart becomes diseased. This results in an enlarged heart which does not function properly. DCM can affect both sides of the heart with one side usually being more severely affected. The enlarged heart chambers lose their ability to contract effectively and are unable to pump blood out to the body or lungs.
If the left side of the heart is affected, fluid builds up into the lungs, if the right side of the heart is affected, fluid builds up in the abdomen or area surrounding the lungs. This build up of fluid places pressure on the heart and creates breathing difficulties, eventually leading to death from congestive heart failure. Another cause of death from DCM is from irregular heart beats (arrhythmias) – these can lead to sudden death, often with no prior outward signs of the disease in the dog.
Long term prognosis varies considerably. Dogs survive from weeks up to years after diagnosis of DCM.
The occurrence of DCM increases with age and typically has an age of onset between 4 and 10 years. The cause of DCM is still unknown although many factors suggest a genetic cause, the mode of inheritance is unknown at this stage.
Treatment of DCM is aimed at improving the function of the heart and controlling the symptoms of congestive heart failure. Drugs can be administered to help the heart contract better, diuretics can help control and prevent accumulation of fluid in or around the lungs. Medication that controls arrhythmias (electrical disturbances in the heart) are used as well.
If you notice your dog displaying any shortness of breath, coughing, poor appetite, fainting spells, restlessness or profound lethargy, make an appointment to see your vet as soon as possible. Your dog will benefit from your observations, and the administration of prescribed medications will aid to prolong your pet’s life.
For more information, contact your breeder.
von Willebrand's Disease (vWD)
A blood clotting disorder
von Willebrand's Disease (vWD) is an inherited bleeding disorder that affects many breeds, including Dobermanns. Dogs clinically affected by this disease have a reduced ability to produce von Willebrand's Factor in their blood - a substance needed to achieve blood clotting.
There is now a definitive DNA test for Dobermanns to determine their vWD status. This test is a simple swab of the cells from inside the dog's mouth (cheek) which is then sent to a lab for analysis (commonly used testing centres are in Australia and the US). This test can be done by either yourself or a vet after obtaining a testing kit from a DNA testing company (see links further below).
Dobermann vWD DNA results can only be one of the following:
Clear Does not carry the vWD gene
At no risk of clotting problems due to vWD
Can not pass the vWD gene on to offspring
Carrier Carries one copy of the vWD gene
At no risk of clotting problems due to vWD
Can pass the vWD gene on to offspring
Affected Carries two copies of the vWD gene
Potentially at risk of clotting problems due to vWD
(however, the majority of Affected Dobes have no clotting problems at all, including during minor surgeries, and live a long and active life)
Will pass the vWD gene on to all offspring
If your dog is genetically vWD Affected and requires surgery, your vet can help to minimise any risks by having extra clotting factor on hand, and also by doing a blood clotting test (usually a small cut in the dog's gum or cheek and timing how long it takes to clot) prior to surgery.
Today, Breeders use the results of the vWD DNA test to assist them in their breeding programs. Breeding results for vWD are:
Parents Offspring vWD Results
Clear x Clear 100% Clear
Clear x Carrier 50% Clear, 50% Carrier (these are averages only)
Clear x Affected 100% Carrier
Carrier x Carrier 25% Clear, 50% Carrier, 25% Affected (these are averages only)
Carrier x Affected 50% Carrier, 50% Affected (these are averages only)
Affected x Affected 100% Affected