G. Wess, DVM, Dr. habil. DACVIM-CA, DECVIM-IM, DECVIM-CA a,*, O. Domenech, DVM, MSc, DECVIM-CA b, J. Dukes-McEwan, BVMS, MVM, PhD, DVC, DECVIM-CA (Cardiology) MRCVS c, J. Häggström, DVM, PhD. DECVIM-CA d, S. Gordon, DVM, DVSc, DACVIM-CA
Received 22 March 2017; received in revised form 24 July 2017; accepted 23 August 2017
Abstract
Background: Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is the most common cardiac
disease in large breed dogs and is inherited in Doberman Pinschers with a high prevalence
(58%).
Objective: The European Society for Veterinary Cardiology convened a task force to
formulate screening guidelines for DCM in Dobermans.
Recommendations: Screening for occult DCM in Dobermans should start at three
years of age and use both Holter monitoring and echocardiography. Yearly screening
over the life of the dog is recommended, as a one-time screening is not sufficient
to rule out future development of DCM. The preferred echocardiographic
method is the measurement of the left ventricular volume by Simpson’s method
Read full paper: Doberman DCM Screening