Dilated Cardiomyopathy Essay

Dilated cardiomyopathy is a heart disease that affects the muscles of the heart which results in weekend contractions and decreased pump function. As this disease progresses it can cause the heart chambers to enlarge, one or more heart valves may begin to leak, and signs pointing to congestive heart failure can develop. In rare cases, dilated cardiomyopathy develops secondary to an identifiable cause such as a toxin or an infection. Weakening of the heart muscles activates mechanisms for sodium and fluid retention within the body that cause heart enlargement and circulatory congestion. Specifically, dilation of the left ventricle and alterations in the sarcomere. Furthermore, immunohistochemical and biochemical studies demonstrate an increase in desmin, a cytoskeleton protein.
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During the second phase of dilated cardiomyopathy, clinical signs begin to appear. These clinical signs may include, exercise intolerance and congestive heart failure. This is usually manifested as respiratory distress and or coughing and weakness. The unhealthy heart muscle can also lead to electrical instability and irregular heart rhythms, also known as arrhythmias. Arrhythmias can then lead to syncope and even sudden death. To diagnose a dog with dilated cardiomyopathy, your dog’s cardiologist may look for arrhythmias and/or decreased cardiac pump function by using one or more of these test; electrocardiography, echocardiography, or a holter monitor. All of which check for arrhythmias, decreased cardiac pump function on routine evaluation or diagnostic screening. If any of the previously listed are found, a cardiologist must rule out the following to properly diagnose the dog; structural heart diseases, toxic cardiomyopathies, nutritional‐associated cardiomyopathies, and myocarditis. All of which mimic symptoms of dilated