![]() 3 Taurine supplementation may result in reversal of the disease and a significantly better prognosis. Some American Cocker Spaniels have been reported to develop DCM associated with low taurine levels. However, it is still considered a potential etiology for Boxers with DCM and supplementation should be considered for these rare cases. L-carnitine deficiency does not appear to be the cause of DCM in the majority of Boxers, or in other breeds. 2 However, affected dogs eventually died from their heart disease, even while on supplementation. 2 Affected dogs demonstrated some reversal of disease with L- carnitine supplementation. In 1991, a family of Boxers with dilated cardiomyopathy (historically known as Type III Boxer cardiomyopathy) was identified as having a myocardial L-carnitine deficiency. In some cases, there is evidence of a specific nutritional or familial link. The development of DCM is likely to be a multifactorial process that could involve nutritional, familial and infectious agents. The etiology of canine DCM is unknown in many cases. This discussion will emphasize breed specific findings and newer developments in the understanding of etiologies, clinical presentation, diagnosis, screening and treatment for canine DCM as well as arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy in the Boxer. In the dog, specific breed predispositions exist and the Doberman pinscher, Great Dane, Scottish deerhound, and Irish wolfhound appear to be over represented. Books & VINcyclopedia of Diseases (Formerly Associate)ĭilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a syndrome characterized by impaired myocardial function (systolic +/- diastolic), ventricular dilation and frequently, tachyarrhythmias. ![]() ![]() VINcyclopedia of Diseases (Formerly Associate). ![]()
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