Echocardiographic and clinical signs of canine dilated cardiomyopathy

The clinical signs, electrocardiograms and echocardiograms of 12 dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy of large breeds and congestive heart failure were reviewed. There was a high prevalence of males (11 dogs) and of the Doberman breed (7 dogs). Seven dogs had atrial fibrillation. The echocardiograms revealed significant increases in left ventricular and left atrial dimensions. The shortening fraction (%ΔD), aortic root excursion and left ventricular wall excursion were all significantly decreased, documenting a decrease in contractile function of the left ventricle that, together with the cardiac enlargement characterize this disease. The advantages of obtaining these functional parameters non-invasively are emphasized.