The prevalence of dilated cardiomyopathy in the Weimaraner dog breed

Abstract

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a well-recognised cause of cardiac morbidity and death in humans and dogs. It causes progressive structural changes in the myocardium, which leads to congestive heart failure or sudden death. Dilated cardiomyopathy is the second most common acquired cardiac disease and the most common cardiomyopathy in dogs. The highest prevalence is found in large and giant breeds of dogs; the most frequently affected dogs are Doberman Pinschers. Other breeds such as the Great Dane, Boxer, Irish Wolfhound or Cocker Spaniel also have a high prevalence of DCM. No study has yet been reported in regard to the prevalence of DCM in the Weimaraner and its genetic causes. In the study, a total of 232 Weimaraner dogs were enrolled. Out of this total number, 223 dogs were short-haired Weimaraners and 9 dogs were long-haired Weimaraners. The most frequently diagnosed disease was DCM but other diseases were identified. In our study, the prevalence of DCM in Weimaraners was 9.8%.