Canine Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

There have been very few reports of idiopathic hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in the dog. Most cases of left ventricular concentric hypertrophy are due to systemic hypertension and aortic stenosis (usually subaortic stenosis). Dr. Charla Jones has suggested that idiopathic hypertrophic cardiomyopathy may be common in the Golden Retriever. Dr. David Sisson has reported familial HCM in a line of pointer dogs. We have also observed HCM in several pointer dogs, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, and Jack Russell Terriers. The significance of this disorder remains to be determined in the dog.