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Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)

Overview

DCM is the second most common cause of canine congestive heart failure (CHF), following atrioventricular valvular insufficiency (AVVI).¹ DCM is a disease of the heart muscle that causes loss of myocardial contractility. The heart becomes weakened and enlarged and cannot pump blood efficiently, resulting in decreased cardiac output and tissue perfusion.

DCM can have a quick onset and progresses rapidly in dogs. The preclinical disease phase can vary from months to years, but the disease progresses more quickly than AVVI. Treatment with pharmaceuticals is the most effective intervention and focuses on controlling preload, afterload, and contractility.¹

Breeds at risk for DCM

DCM primarily affects middle-aged, and large- or giant-breed dogs. Breeds most susceptible to DCM include Afghan Hound, American Cocker Spaniel, Boxer, Dalmatian, Doberman Pinscher, English Cocker Spaniel, Great Dane, Newfoundland and St. Bernard.^1,2

References:

1. O’Grady MR, Minors SL, O’Sullivan ML, Horne R. Effect of pimobendan on case fatality rate in Doberman pinschers with congestive heart failure caused by dilated cardiomyopathy. J Vet Intern Med. 2008;22(4):897–904. 2. Ware WA. Cardiovascular Disease in Small Animal Medicine. Ames, IA: Blackwell Publishing Professional; 2007.

Important safety information

VETMEDIN should not be given in case of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, aortic stenosis, or any other clinical condition where an augmentation of cardiac output is inappropriate for functional or anatomical reasons. The safety of VETMEDIN has not been established in dogs with asymptomatic heart disease or in heart failure caused by etiologies other than atrioventricularvalvular insufficiency or dilated cardiomyopathy. The safe use of VETMEDIN has not been evaluated in dogs younger than 6 months of age, dogs with congenital heart defects, dogs with diabetes mellitus or other serious metabolic diseases, dogs used for breeding, or pregnant or lactating bitches. Use only in dogs with clinical evidence of heart failure. The most common side effects reported in field studies were poor appetite, lethargy, diarrhea, dyspnea, azotemia, weakness, and ataxia. If side effects should occur, pet owners should contact their veterinarian. Please refer to the Full Prescribing Information here.