CARDIOMYOPATHY
DILATED CARDIOMYOPATHY IN THE BOXER DOG
By Dr. Kathryn M. Meurs, DVM, PhD (Genetics)Dilated Cardiomyopathy in the Boxer dog is a particularly lethal form of progressive heart disease.
The majority of affected Boxers experience sudden cardiac death, although left heart failure also occurs. A significant sex predisposition has not been reported. The average age of the affected dog is 7 years but dogs as young as one year of age have been reported. The disease is characterized by one of three clinical presentations: the asymptomatic dog with an arrhythmia, the symptomatic dog with syncope secondary to cardiac arrhythmia, or the symptomatic dog with congestive heart failure. Although other breeds of dogs suffer from Dilated Cardiomyopathy, the clinical presentation of arrhythmias without heart failure is unique in Boxer Cardiomyopathy. The etiology of the disease is poorly understood, however, an inherited etiology amongst Boxers within the New england area was reported as early as 1983 by Dr. Neil Harpster.
Boxer dogs are being recruited for complete cardiac evaluation (physical examination, electrocardiogram, echocardiogram and in some cases, holter monitor) at the Ohio State University. Fifteen to twenty milliliters of blood is being taken from each dog for DNA extraction.
Pedigrees are being collectedfor evaluation (when available). Once animals are evaluated they are assigned to one of three groups: affected with Dilated Cardiomyopathy, unaffected but related to an affected dog, and unaffected/unrelated. Dogs which are apparently unaffected may be reevaluated at 12 month intervals for the duration of the study. Pedigress are evaluated for the mode of inheritance of the disease. Evaluation of DNA for genetic markers or candidate genes responsible for Boxer Dilated Cardiomyopathy is being performed. This ongoing study began in January of this year (1997). We have now evaluated 40 + Boxers and have employed a full time geneticist to assist with the study.
Dilated Cardiomyopathy in the Boxer dog is a lethal cardiac disease that frequently strikes without warning. Our ability to gain an understanding of the underlying cause of this disorder may help us to diagnose the disease earlier, prevent lethal arrhythmias and improve therapy for left heart failure.
This study will allow evaluation of pedigree information and genetic material with reference to the clinical cardiomyopathy status of each dog. We believe this will provide very important information regarding the development and inheritance of Dilated Cardiomyopathy in the Boxer dog.
If you have questions about this study you may contact:
Dr Kathryn M. Meurs, DVM, PhD (Genetics)
Diplomate ACVIM (Cardiology)
The Ohio State University - College of Veterinary Medicine
Phone: (614) 292-3551
E-Mail: Meurs.1@osu.edu
1997: Dr Kathryn M. Meurs, DVM, PhD (Genetics)
