What is DCM?
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a diseased heart muscle that doesn’t pump efficiently. The veterinarian may just call it an enlarged heart instead of DCM when he diagnoses it.
Chihuahuas, unfortunately, are prone to the disease. My Pebbles has DCM. It is irreversible and progressive. Chihuahuas with DCM can have a normal life in the beginning stages, but eventually, they will go into heart failure and their lives are shortened. Pebbles was diagnosed about 4 years ago. Her veterinarian prescribed Benazepril to help the heart pump more efficiently.
What Is An Ace Inhibitor?
The Benazepril that the vet gave to Pebbles is an ace inhibitor. This group of drugs causes relaxation of blood vessels as well as a decrease in blood volume, which leads to lower blood pressure and decreased oxygen demand from the heart.
Frequently prescribed ACE inhibitors include benazepril, zofenopril, perindopril, trandolapril, captopril, enalapril, lisinopril, and ramipril. When Pebbles was first diagnosed I noticed no obvious symptoms. I even began to think (hope) that he was wrong. But then…
Our Struggle With DCM
Pebbles has always slept with us in our bed. She would snuggle up to either me or my husband that would be her spot and she would hardly move all night. About 4 or 5 months ago, however, she started moving around during the night and seemed very restless. Then she wanted down off the bed and a little while later she would wake us up wanting back up in bed (she can’t jump up that high). That went on for a while.
The Progression
Then she started wanting to sleep in her bed on the floor next to our bed, but she would lay there for a while then go into the living room and sleep on the sofa for a while then back to the bed in the bedroom. Again, this would go on all night, back and forth. We were completely baffled by this behavior and we missed having her snuggle with us in bed, but she just didn’t want on the bed at all. I am saddened by the decrease in her activity, and that she gets fatigued quicker and seems very depressed.
Symptoms of an Enlarged Heart
As mentioned, in the early stages there are no obvious symptoms. The veterinarian may diagnose it by listening to the heart and by an x-ray and/or an EKG.
Pebbles was diagnosed when I took her to see the vet for a routine yearly exam. I mentioned to him then that she had been coughing a lot. This is a symptom of DCM, though I didn’t know that at the time.
We went on our usual walk with the 3 dogs a short time ago, same distance, the same everything and when we got home she went to get a drink and just collapsed. That’s the first time that has happened. Apparently, exercise is becoming more difficult for her.
As the disease progresses they will develop congestions of the lungs and fluid around the heart. Fluid may also build up in the abdomen and around the lungs.
Symptoms of an Enlarged Heart or DCM
- decreased ability to exercise
- fatigue
- increased respiration
- excessive panting
- coughing
- sudden weakness or fainting
- heavy breathing due to fluid accumulation
Advanced stages also include:
- reluctance to lie down
- inability to get comfortable
- worsening cough
- loss of appetite
- collapse
What You Can Do
The only treatment is drugs prescribed by your veterinarian. They may include a variety of drugs. If your dog is diagnosed with DCM or if you suspect that he may have it, take him to the veterinarian. Never try to treat an enlarged heart yourself. Be sure that they are regularly monitored by your veterinarian. Side effects are common among these drugs. These drugs and dosages may increase over time due to the progression of the disease.
Alternative therapies that can help support the heart are herbs such as Hawthorne berry, and cayenne. Supplements can be beneficial including acetyl L-carnitine, amino acids, omega-3 fatty acids and ubiquinol.
Of course, a fresh food diet rich in natural amino acids will be the very best diet for dogs with DCM. It can also help nourish breeds such as Chihuahuas that are predisposed to this disease.
Don’t try to feed a fresh diet yourself without doing a lot of research first. It is difficult to get the right balance of vitamins, minerals, fats, and other nutrients that your dog needs to keep them healthy.
How to Feed A Fresh, Balanced Diet
I now feed my dogs my own fresh recipes, but only after almost 2 years of research through veterinarian journals and traditional and holistic veterinarian websites and interviews.
But before that, I fed my dogs NomNomNow. A fresh food delivery service that is formulated by a veterinarian nutritionist and tailored to your individual dog and their specific needs. One week of meals for an average-sized Chihuahua starts at only $24-$28. If you would like to try it for your dog ChiChis and Me and NomNomNow has partnered up to offer you 50% off your first order. You can cancel anytime.
Don’t Miss: MY DOG IS CHUBBY, BUT SHE REFUSES TO EAT DOG FOOD! WHAT SHOULD I DO?
And: WHAT AND HOW TO FEED AN OVERWEIGHT CHIHUAHUA
