VetGen - The leader in veterinary genetic disease research and genetic disease detection services for purebred animals

Breeds Serviced

  • Doberman Pinscher
  • Giant Schnauzer
  • Standard Schnauzer

DCM-Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a disease of the heart that can result in sudden death of relatively young dogs. Early in the disease, there are often no clinical symptoms, but the weakened pumping capacity of the heart can eventually lead to congestive heart failure. In some breeds, notably Doberman Pinschers, the disease is often an inherited one and Doberman Pinschers are one of the most common breeds of dogs to be affected with DCM.

Dr. Kate Meurs at Washington State University identified one genetic mutation, (PDK4; NCSU DCM1), that is responsible for inherited DCM in Dobermans and developed a DNA test for it, DCM1.

Dr Meurs has now identified a second genetic mutation in Doberman Pinschers with DCM, (PKD4; NCSU DCM2), and we are happy to be able to offer that test through Vetgen. The test for the second mutation is DCM2.

Dogs that carry both mutation are at the highest risk of getting sick from the disease, although dogs with a mutation in either gene can develop the disease as well.