Dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs
The heart muscle becomes thin and weak, so the enlarged heart pumps poorly. It can lead to abnormal rhythms, coughing, weakness, fainting and heart failure. It is most common in large breeds and can appear suddenly.
12 of the 155 breeds we track are commonly associated with Dilated cardiomyopathy, including Saluki, Standard Schnauzer, Toy Manchester Terrier, Borzoi. Across these breeds median lifespans range from 7.7 to 13.3 years.
Dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs: quick facts
- Type
- cardiac condition
- Breeds affected
- 12 of the 155 breeds we track
- Severity (as scored)
- Major-welfare or life-threatening
Plain-English definitions of these terms are on the glossary. On the Breed Health Score, Dilated cardiomyopathy is weighted as a major-welfare or life-threatening condition, so breeds it commonly affects carry a larger hereditary-burden deduction. This describes how our data weights the condition, not a diagnosis.
Breeds commonly associated with Dilated cardiomyopathy (12), ranked by health score
Related cardiac conditions
Products that may help
General care products for dogs prone to Dilated cardiomyopathy. Browse on Amazon → Ad
Note. Breed associations are compiled from RVC VetCompass / AKC / PDSA and are indicative, not a diagnosis or veterinary advice. Browse all conditions or the breed directory.