Abstract
Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in both humans and dogs. Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) accounts for a large number of these cases, reported to be the third most common form of cardiac disease in humans and the second most common in dogs. In human studies of DCM there are more than 50 genetic loci associated with the disease. Despite canine DCM having similar disease progression to human DCM studies into the genetic basis of canine DCM lag far behind those of human DCM. In this review the aetiology, epidemiology, and clinical characteristics of canine DCM are examined, along with highlighting possible different subtypes of canine DCM and their potential relevance to human DCM. Finally the current position of genetic research into canine and human DCM, including the genetic loci, is identified and the reasons many studies may have failed to find a genetic association with canine DCM are reviewed.
Highlights
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is characterised by cardiac ventricular chamber enlargement and systolic dysfunction which often leads to congestive heart failure and death [13]
We provide a review of the known genetic contributions to DCM and discuss how these factors may inform future clinical management and breeding strategies in the dog
Canine DCM is treated in a similar manner to human DCM, in that treatment is aimed at minimising the effect of heart failure [27]
Summary
Cardiovascular disease is the fourth most common cause of death in dogs [1] and one of the most common causes of death in humans [2]. Knowledge obtained from the clinical management of people with DCM may guide improvements in the clinical care and outcomes of companion animals with DCM. Animal models of DCM are useful in providing insights into the molecular and cellular progression of the disease and lead to potential new treatments [7]. While there are many animal models where DCM is induced, for example [8,9,10,11], naturally occurring cases of canine DCM are valuable, in particular with regard to natural disease progression, especially where the underlying cause can be shown to be similar in dogs and people (e.g., similar genetic function) [12]. In addition to providing a potential natural model for human DCM, canine cardiovascular health is an important issue in its own right. We provide a review of the known genetic contributions to DCM and discuss how these factors may inform future clinical management and breeding strategies in the dog
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
