Doberman Pinscher Heart Problems: Facts and Prevention

Doberman Pinscher Heart Problems can be a serious concern for owners, as they are prone to certain heart conditions that can be life-threatening if left untreated.

According to research, Doberman Pinschers are at a higher risk of developing cardiomyopathy, a condition that affects the heart muscle, due to their genetic predisposition.

In fact, studies have shown that up to 30% of Doberman Pinschers develop cardiomyopathy by the age of 5, making it a critical health issue to be aware of.

Regular check-ups with a veterinarian can help identify any potential heart problems early on, allowing for prompt treatment and a better prognosis.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Doberman Pinschers

Clinical signs of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in Doberman Pinschers can be subtle and may not always be immediately apparent. DCM is characterized by dilation of the ventricles with ventricular wall thinning, which can lead to decreased delivery of oxygenated blood to the body, resulting in lethargy, weakness, weight loss, and collapse.

A combination of tests is used to diagnose DCM, including listening to the dog's heart for a murmur or arrhythmia, x-rays to evaluate the size of the heart, and bloodwork to screen for underlying kidney disease. A ProBNP test may also be run to check for high amounts of a specific protein associated with stretching or damage to the heart muscle.

Here are some common clinical signs of DCM in Doberman Pinschers:

Early detection of DCM is crucial for successful treatment, and a qualified veterinarian may use a 24-hour electrocardiogram (ECG) device, such as a Holter monitor, to detect subtle heart arrhythmias that may not be apparent during a standard ECG test.

Diagnosis of DCM in dogs involves a combination of physical examination, imaging tests, and bloodwork. Your veterinarian will start by listening to your dog's heart for the presence of a murmur or arrhythmia.

A heart murmur is a sound that can be heard when the heart is pumping blood, and it can be a sign of DCM. Your veterinarian will also listen for any dampened (muffled) lung sounds or crackles that may show fluid buildup in the lungs.

Thoracic radiography, or chest x-rays, can be used to evaluate the size of the heart and check for any enlargement or fluid accumulation in the lungs. This can be an important diagnostic tool, especially if your dog is showing signs of congestive heart failure.

In addition to these tests, your veterinarian may run bloodwork and look at urine to screen for underlying kidney disease, as many patients with DCM also have kidney disease.

A ProBNP test, which looks for high amounts of a specific protein that goes along with stretching or damage to the heart muscle, can also be used to help diagnose DCM.

If DCM is diagnosed or suspected, your veterinarian may recommend referral to a veterinary cardiologist. The cardiologist can perform a heart ultrasound, called an echocardiogram, which allows them to look at each chamber of the heart and watch the blood flow through the heart.

Here are some of the tests that may be used to diagnose DCM:

The FDA received only 1 case of suspected diet-linked DCM in 2014 and 2015, a number that increased to 2 cases in 2016 and 3 cases in 2017.

In 2018, the number of reported cases jumped to 320, and in 2019, it was 197 cases, a very sharp increase.

This sharp increase in reported cases is largely due to increased awareness and reporting of the issue, especially after the FDA notified the public in July 2018.

Only 15 of the 524 reported cases involved the Doberman breed, which may be underrepresented in this report.

Many veterinarians don't think to report Doberman DCM cases since the breed commonly develops non-diet (genetic) associated DCM.

See what others are reading: Boxer Breed Health Problems

The FDA investigation into potential links between certain dog foods and DCM has sparked a lot of conversation among Doberman owners.

In June 2019, the FDA released information regarding their investigation into a potential link between certain dog foods and DCM, which has sparked a lot of conversation among Doberman owners.

Related reading: Do Doberman Pinschers Bark a Lot

Only 15 of the 524 reported cases of DCM involved the Doberman breed.

This number is likely underrepresented, as many veterinarians don't think to report Doberman DCM cases since the breed commonly develops non-diet (genetic) associated DCM.

The FDA report itself notes that there is a reporting bias for breeds like Golden Retrievers due to breed-specific social media groups and activities that have raised awareness of the issue in these communities.

As a result, Dobermans may be underrepresented in this report.

Additional reading: Doberman Pinscher Standard

Treatment for DCM in Doberman Pinschers is tailored to the individual dog and is rarely the same from one dog to the next.

Medications like pimobendan can be used to help reduce the workload of the heart and allow blood to pump more easily.

Diuretics like furosemide may be used to reduce fluid buildup in the lungs or abdomen, but they can have side effects.

ACE inhibitors like enalapril or benazepril can be used to reduce the harmful side effects of diuretics and help improve general blood flow.

In severe cases, a procedure to physically remove the buildup of fluid in the dog's abdomen or chest cavity may be used.

Additional medications might be used to help control heart rate and arrhythmias if present.

Dietary supplementation may also be used in an attempt to help support the heart, including the use of L-carnitine, taurine, and omega-3 fatty acid supplements.

DCM tends to be progressive and is usually not reversible in Doberman Pinschers, but some cases caused by dietary deficiencies may be reversible if caught early.

Here are some common medications prescribed for dogs with DCM:

Management of DCM is lifelong in dogs, and heart disease is progressive over time.

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a common heart disease in large-breed dogs, including Doberman Pinschers.

DCM causes the heart muscle to weaken and become thinner, making it harder for the heart to pump blood. This can lead to a range of symptoms, including fatigue, poor appetite, and difficulty breathing.

The symptoms of DCM can be subtle and may develop slowly over time, but they can also come on suddenly. Dogs with DCM may exhibit signs such as difficulty lying down or getting comfortable, a blue tinge to their gums or tongue, and a wet cough or hack.

Some breeds, like Doberman Pinschers, have a higher risk of developing DCM due to their genetic predisposition. However, DCM can also be caused by dietary factors, such as eating grain-free diets that are deficient in taurine.

A diagnosis of DCM is typically made through a combination of physical examination, x-rays, blood work, and an echocardiogram. Treatment for DCM usually involves medication to help manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.

Medications used to treat DCM include ACE inhibitors, diuretics, inotropic drugs, and beta blockers. Nutritional therapy may also be recommended to help manage the disease.

Management of DCM is lifelong, and the prognosis depends on various factors, including the dog's breed, the severity of the disease, and whether the disease is related to nutrition. Some breeds, like Doberman Pinschers, may have a more aggressive form of the disease, while others may have a slower progression.

Here are some common symptoms of DCM in dogs:

It's essential to work closely with your veterinarian to monitor your dog's condition and adjust their treatment plan as needed. By doing so, you can help manage your dog's DCM and improve their quality of life.

While some Doberman Pinschers are genetically predisposed to DCM, a strong heart can be maintained through a quality diet and regular exercise.

Quality diet and regular exercise are key to ensuring your Doberman has a strong heart.

Doberman breeders who perform genetic testing on their dogs can help identify those at risk of DCM.

A recent study found that 58.2% of Dobermans will have DCM at some point in their lifetime.

DCM becomes more common in Dobermans as they get older, with the prevalence of the disease increasing with age.

Explore further: Doberman Pinscher Exercise Needs

If you're considering getting a Doberman puppy and are concerned with DCM, you should find a reputable breeder who performs genetic testing on their dogs (and puppies) to see if the dogs carry the gene mutation that is known to cause DCM.

Genetic testing can help identify if a Doberman is predisposed to DCM, which can be crucial in preventing the disease. A recent study found that 58.2% of Dobermans will have DCM at some point in their lifetime, largely due to a genetic predisposition towards the disease.

Reputable breeders who perform genetic testing can help you make an informed decision about bringing a Doberman into your family. By doing so, you can reduce the risk of your dog developing DCM.

For another approach, see: Doberman Pinscher Von Willebrand Disease

Legumes, pulses, and potatoes are common main ingredients in dog foods linked to DCM. According to the FDA, an ingredient is considered a main ingredient if it's listed within the first 10 ingredients of the dog food.

Many dog foods with these ingredients are labeled as "grain-free." This label has gained popularity in recent years, which may contribute to the increase in DCM cases.

As a Doberman owner, you're likely feeling concerned about the heart problems affecting your beloved breed. Performing genetic testing on your Doberman to determine their risk level is crucial, especially for breeders selecting breeding partners.

This can help reduce the occurrence of DCM in the Doberman breed. You can refer to the Doberman DNA testing guide for more information on how to proceed.

Providing plenty of exercise in a healthy manner can improve the strength of your dog's heart. Regular check-ups with your veterinarian, including heart function checks and blood work, are essential to identify any dietary deficiencies or early signs of DCM.

Feeding your dog a quality grain-containing diet is also important. If you notice anything unusual about your dog or their behavior, bring them to the veterinarian immediately.

Here are some key actions you can take as a responsible Doberman owner:

As a Doberman Pinscher owner, you want to make sure you're feeding your furry friend the best possible diet to prevent heart problems. Diet plays a significant role in the development of Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs, and research suggests that certain ingredients may be linked to this condition.

The FDA has investigated a potential link between certain dog foods and DCM, and their findings are worth noting. The investigation is very specific, grouping diagnosed DCM cases by the brand of food the dog was on, and it shows a drastic increase in reported DCM cases in recent years.

Feeding your Doberman a grain-free diet may not be the best choice, as research suggests that more than 90% of DCM cases reported to the FDA were dogs who were fed grain-free diets. Many of these diets contain peas and other legumes or lentils as main ingredients, in place of traditional grains.

Intriguing read: What to Feed a Doberman Pinscher

If you're currently feeding your Doberman a BEG diet, it's essential to talk to your veterinarian about recommended monitoring to avoid secondary acquired nutritional disease, like DCM. Your veterinarian may recommend measuring blood and plasma taurine levels, supplements with specific vitamins or minerals, or more frequent imaging to ensure that no problems are developing because of your dog's diet.

Some common characteristics among the brands linked to DCM include the use of legumes, pulses, and/or potatoes as main ingredients. These ingredients are often listed as the first 10 ingredients in the dog food, and before any vitamin or mineral ingredients.

Here are some common medications prescribed to manage DCM in dogs: