DCM2 - Dilated Cardiomyopathy

DCM is a heart condition which causes the swelling of the lower chambers of the heart (ventricles). This reduces the heart’s ability to pump blood and leads the heart to become large and beat weakly.

Clinical signs include collapsing, appetite loss, lethargy, gradual abdominal swelling, coughing and gasping for breath. These signs may not be apparent for years but will show eventually.

Mode of Inheritance: Autosomal dominant with incomplete penetrance

Alleles: N = Normal, DCM1 = dilated cardiomyopathy 1 variant present, DCM2 = dilated cardiomyopathy 2 variant present

• Dogs with N/N genotype do not have either of the known DCM variants.
• Dogs with N/DCM1 or N/DCM2 genotypes are at risk to develop cardiomyopathy. If two heterozygotes with the same mutation are mated, approximately 75% of the puppies are at risk of developing disease. Dogs heterozygous for both variants, N/DCM1 and N/DCM2, are at greater risk to develop clinical symptoms relative to those with only one variant.
• Dogs with DCM1/DCM1 or DCM2/DCM2 genotypes are at risk to develop cardiomyopathy. All puppies produced from matings of dogs with either of these homozygous genotypes are at risk for developing dilated cardiomyopathy.

Possible Test Results :

• Clear
• N/DCM2 (Carrier) - At Risk
• DCM2/DCM2 (Double Carrier) - At Risk
• Hereditary Clear

DCM2 - Dilated Cardiomyopathy is a recommended test for the following breeds :

• Dobermann