Doberman Pinscher Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)

Doberman pinschers are one of the most common breeds of dogs to be affected with Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM). When a Doberman pinscher is diagnosed with DCM, the implication of subsequent abnormalities, such as congestive heart failure and sudden death become concerns. Dilated cardiomyopathy is an inherited disease in the Doberman pinscher and appears to be inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion. This indicates that even one mutated gene copy can result in disease.

Currently, two mutations have been identified that are associated with the development of DCM, which are offered through our DCM1 (PDK4), DCM2 (TTN), and DCM combo test. 

DCM is a disease of incomplete penetrance. Some dobermans with the genetic mutation may not show the disease until they get older, and some individuals with the mutation may never show the disease. In addition, a doberman that is negative for these mutations may still develop DCM. However, results from our genetic tests can be beneficial in guiding breeding practices and potential therapeutic measures.

Testing Prices:

Doberman DCM1 = $48.00 per dog

Doberman DCM2 = $48.00 per dog

Doberman DCM Combo (DCM1 and DCM2) = $70.00 per dog

Doberman Litter Discount = $38.00/$60.00 per puppy

Sample Type for Submission:

Acceptable samples include a cheek swab or 1-2 mL whole blood collected in an EDTA tube. If these sample types are unavailable, please reach out to us at cvm-cardiacgenetics@ncsu.edu for more information. Alternative sample types may result in an additional charge.

Holter Monitoring:

A 24 hour Holter monitor is a useful tool in Doberman DCM screening and monitoring. Since the disease is adult-onset and can start at varying ages, we recommend that Holtering be started at three years of age and repeated annually. Holter monitors for Dobermans can be requested in combination with our genetic test or on its own without the genetic test. In addition, your veterinarian can request a diagnostic holter with our service which will provide interpretation from a veterinary cardiologist. For more information regarding holter monitoring, and directions on how to request this service, please visit – here

Explanation of Results:

Two copies of each gene are inherited, one from each parent. Possible results include:

Negative

Dogs have two copies of the normal gene, which is not predicted to be at an increased risk of DCM. They cannot transmit this mutation to their offspring.

Positive Heterozygous

Dogs have one copy of the normal gene and one copy of the mutated gene, which is associated with an increased risk of developing DCM.

Positive Homozygous

Dogs have two copies of the mutated gene, which is associated with an increased risk of developing DCM. Dogs that are positive homozygous appear to have more significant disease and should be carefully monitored for symptoms of disease. They will transmit one copy of the mutation to their offspring.

An estimated 40% of dobermans that are positive for DCM1 mutation will develop disease, and an estimated 50% of dobermans that are positive for the DCM2 mutation will develop disease. Dogs that are positive for both DCM1 and DCM2 are at a higher risk of developing significant disease and should be carefully monitored by your veterinarian for symptoms.

Other factors could contribute to this condition in dogs, and a negative result does not rule out the presence of a different mutation that could cause a similar genetic disorder or trait.

Breeding Recommendations:

Breeding decisions should be made carefully and in discussion with your veterinarian. We cannot give specific breeding recommendations regarding your dog, but we advise to consider these genetic results as well as the overall health of the line. The goal is to reduce the prevalence of these disease-associated mutations while maintaining high quality diversity within the population.