Heart Conditions in Dogs

Understanding your dog's heart condition is the first step toward giving them the best possible care. Each condition page covers affected breeds, medications, screening recommendations, and the key research every owner should know.

DCM

Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)

The heart muscle weakens and the chambers enlarge, reducing the heart's ability to pump blood effectively. The most common acquired heart disease in large and giant breed dogs.

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MMVD

Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease (MMVD)

The mitral valve degenerates over time, causing it to leak blood backward into the left atrium. The most common heart disease in dogs overall, especially small breeds.

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ARVC

Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC)

A disease primarily affecting Boxers where the right ventricle develops fatty or fibrous tissue replacement, causing dangerous arrhythmias and risk of sudden death.

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