Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) in Dobermann Pinschers

DCM – the Disease

Doberman pinscher DCM is an adult onset heart muscle disease that can lead to sudden death or the development of congestive heart failure where the dog starts to cough or becomes short of breath.
This is an inherited disease, but it is adult onset. The average age at which clinical signs may be observed or a Holter monitor becomes abnormal is 6 years of age. However, this is widely variant. Some dogs will show it younger and some, not until they are much older!
This disease can affect the electrical system of the heart or the contractility of the heart muscle. Since the disease is adult onset and can start at varying ages, an annual echocardiogram and Holter monitoring after 3 years of age is recommended.

DCM – trait of inheritance and mutation

 Recently, a mutation which is suggested to cause DCM in Dobermann Pinschers was found by Dr. Kathryn Meurs (Washington State University, USA). This mutation was found in most DCM affected Dobermann Pinschers. 1280 samples have been tested until January 2011. Approximately 15% of all proven DCM cases DO NOT have the mutation.
Please keep in mind that there are presumably further mutations which could be involved in the development of DCM.

DCM - the DNA test

By DNA testing the mutation can be shown directly. The testing is carried out by state of the art laboratory methods and therefore provides a very high accuracy. In general DNA tests can be done at any age.
The test can be applied to Dobermann Pinschers and is carried out by Dr. Meurs lab.
With this test the reported mutation can be diagnosed, but by no means the presence/absence of the disease can  be reported. The results that are transmitted contain the information on presence/absence of the mutation in the sample of the dog examined. We want to point out that there is still a small possibility of other mutations causing DCM which are not identified so far. 
The DNA test does not provide informations about onset of clinical signs and the severity of disease symptoms. 

DCM – test requirements

The test is performed out of EDTA whole blood (0.5-1 ml) or sterile cotton swabs. The cotton swabs are available upon request. Testing is performed at Dr. Meurs lab. The results are due about 2-3 weeks after arrival of the sample in our laboratory.

For further information please contact

Dr. Petra Kühnlein or Dr. Ines Langbein-Detsch
LABOKLIN GmbH und Co.KG
Steubenstraße 4
D-97688 Bad Kissingen /german

Phone: +49-971-72020 /72020 or Fax: +49-971 / 7202995
Email: labogenlaboklin.de