Canine dilated cardiomyopathy

Abstract

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a primary myocardial disease characterized by ventricular dilatation and systolic dysfunction with eccentric hypertrophy (increased left ventricular mass, but relatively thin walls). Remodelling leads to a round rather than elliptical left ventricle (LV) (increased sphericity). It is important to note that DCM is a diagnosis of exclusion; other congenital and acquired cardiac diseases and systemic conditions that may lead to these changes should be actively excluded prior to making this diagnosis. This chapter looks at Aetiology and inheritance; Pathophysiology and histopathology; Pathophysiology; Clinical signs; Diagnostic approach; and Treatment.