Prognosis

Survival data involving 275 dogs with DCM studied over 20 years at the OVC (Bronsoiler J et al JVIM 2005;19:204.):

• Giant breed dogs (45 dogs): Median survival time of 91 days
• Large breed dogs (37 dogs): Median survival time of 137 days
• Spaniels (19 dogs): Median survival time of 330 days
• Doberman Pinschers (174 dogs): Median survival time of 42 days
  • Now with the use of pimobendan and ACE inhibitors in Doberman Pinchers survival is 4-6 months
• Presence of atrial fibrillation significantly reduces survival in dogs with CHF due to DCM
• Presence of VPCs increases both overall death and risk of sudden death.
  • Sudden death is more common in Doberman Pinschers than the other groups
  • Sudden death is least common in the Spaniel group