My GSD Bitch aged 3 and a half years has recently been diagnosed with Dilated Cardiomyopathy. She has been given Fortekor 20 (one a day); Digoxin 125MCG (2 twice a day) and Frusemide 40mg (1 twice a day for fluid on her lungs). Restricted exercise to 10 minute walks if she can manage it. She is used to free running of 3 one hours a day before this diagnosis.

I have been in the process of changing her to a bones and raw food diet but my vet is not happy. I am concerned about the vitamins but believe fish oils are good for this condition. I usually give cod liver oil capsules and a fish oil capsule.

Any advice welcome.

Maureen

Hi Maureen

This is not exactly what you are asking for but may be of interest Dietary Taurine Deficiency and
Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Dogs

DCM appears to be more genetic and is very prevalent in my breed where it is thought that there hearts are different to most other breeds. I have not seen anything on any of the raw feeding lists relating to feeding raw and its specific benefits to DCM.

Another site that you may find useful is Dobermann Information Centre, DCM pages

Good luck with your bitch

Christine

Watch the Cod Liver oil. Just as in humans, a little is good for a dog but again, just as in humans, a lot can be positively harmful!

Since the advent of Doppler-Echocardiography a lot of work has been done on DCM. I have an article written for the Veterinary College news letter detailing the work done in this field.

The condition appears to have a number of possible causes, viral or parasitic infections, Autoimmune problems and genetic predispositions have all been found in various dogs to be at the root. So as you can see, it is not a simple ailment to pin down. I do know that Pace Makers have been tried in dogs but I dont have any details of the results of the tests so maybe it's something you could discuss with your vet.

Regards, John