Dilated CardiomyopathyDilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a usually terminal disease, to which the Boxer breed is, unfortunately, predisposed and DCM is the most common cause of heart disease in breeds that are predisposed to it. Within the breed, males are more like to suffer from DCM than females. The condition is largely untreatable. Some drug therapies and life-style changes are thought to prolong the inevetible, but 12 to 18 months is the usual post diagnosis period before the condition causes death. In cases where the disease was diagnosed before symptoms were manifest, some owners have been able to implement treatment plans that gave them two to three extra years with their pet. (according to Southhill Vets ) Since Dilated Cardiomyopathy is quite breed specific, it is most certainly heriditary. Yet there are, to date, no genetic testing measures available to inform breeders and owners with regards to developing breeding strategies to avoid this killer. We must ask: why? Boxer-Puppies-For-Sale.com were only established on June 8,2010- after we are up are and running a bit, we will do some research into who are making efforts to understand how this gene is inherited- and more importantly who is developing tests to assist breeders and owners. We want to help. SymptomsSymptoms of DCM include:- coughing - weight loss - difficulty breathing - periods of weakness - excercise intolerance - abnormal heart rhythms(arrhythmias) - weight loss - pale or bluish mucous membranes - cold feet and legs - fainting Sudden death often occurs before any of the above symptoms manifest themselves. Screening and diagnosingThis section is mostly taken from South Hill Vets' site...
These are probably more accurate indicators than Echocardiograms (ultasounds of the heart- there is example of one to the left, showing the heart of a dog with DCM. But don't ask us to explain why!)as errant heart rhythms usually develop before phyiscal changes to the heart muscle. However ultrasounds are still usually performed because in later stages the heart is often enlarged. With a dog that is already presenting the symptoms (described in "Symptoms" above)your vet will probably order X-Rays,ECG and an ultrasound. Additionally, blood tests for deficiency in L-carnitine and possibly taurine (see below), though deficiency in the latter is rare in Boxers. Aquired DCMIn some cases, dietary deficiencies can be the cause of Dilated Cardiomyopathy.Vegetarian diets can lead to a deficiency in Taurine, an essential myocardial amino acid. As we write elsewhere, we STRONGLY disagree with vegetarian diets for dogs, in general (in fact their diets should approach 80% meat). Sadly in dogs that aquire DCM through a Taurine deficiency, although they initially respond positivels to a change in diet and Taurine supplements, they often relapse into a terminal Cardiomyopathy. Taurine deficiency is rare in Boxers. However, of special interest to Boxer owners, a small study indicates that L-carnitine (another amino acid) deficiency may contribute to heart problems in the breed, in a fashion which mimics its effect on humans. This evidence I suppose must be considered perliminary. But, in our dietary articles we argue the case for "why not be sure?" and assure your dog is getting adequate amounts of this essential amino acid. The American Boxer Association reports that a study of autopsies revealed that 80% of dogs showing deficient levels of L-carnitine in the heart, actually had normal levels in their blood streams.This indicates, they say, the problem may lie in the transfer of nutrients through the cell walls, not in the amount of L-carnitine in the diet. MOst commercial foods provide adequate L-carnitine. Still, supplenting has shown some positive effects for dogs with DCM. We will research the subject further.... Doxorubicin, an anti-cancer drug has been thought to sometimes cause DCM in dogs. TreatmentAs stated above the outlook in most cases of Dilated Cardiomyopathy is rather bleak. To put it in perspective, the treatment for humans with simliar conditions calls for a heart transplant...However, in dogs with L-carnitine defeciency (a sort of 'best case scenario' once he is diagnosed with DCM), adding a carnitine supplement to the diet has shown to have positive effects in dogs with demonstrably low levels in their blood. As for inherited canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy, treatments usually consist of a cocktail of drugs, tailored by your veterinarian to ease symptoms, promote comfort and prolong your pet's life. These cocktails consist of a variety of drug types from classes know as - positive inotropic agents: (ex. Digoxin,Lanoxin,Cardoxin) these concetrate calcium in the heart, which in turn strengthens the heart's pumping action and allows for a slower, more efficienct heart rate - ACE inhibitors (ex. Enacard, Vasotec, Lotensin, Prinavil, Zestril) these are vasodilators. They decrease the prevelance of certain chemicals that tighten and constrict blood vessels, thus again allowing for more efficient blood flow per pump. There are a battery of drugs used to treat side effects of these therapies, which range from nausea to loss of appetite to insominia to fatigue. Diets for dogs with Dilated Cardiomyopathy should be low in sodium. Coenzyme Q has been shown to be helpful in humans, but no research has been done to show its effect on dogs.
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