# 79 — Canine Heart Disease Guide: Managing Mitral Valve Disease and DCM in Dogs

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-marty-laura-show-7153313/79-canine-heart-disease-guide-managing-mitral-valve-disease-and-dcm-in-dogs
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-marty-laura-show-7153313/79-canine-heart-disease-guide-managing-mitral-valve-disease-and-dcm-in-dogs.md
Podcast: [The Marty & Laura Show](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-marty-laura-show-7153313)
Published: 2026-06-17T16:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://martyandlaurashow.com//79-canine-heart-disease-guide-managing-mitral-valve-disease-and-dcm-in-dogs
Audio file: https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/d28519c2-ea31-497d-a760-9e27bdfca6e4.mp3
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Duration seconds: 2149

## Resource

Canine Heart Disease Guide: Managing Mitral Valve Disease and DCM in Dogs Marty and Laura dive into canine cardiac health, breaking down the causes, symptoms and life-extending treatments for the two most common acquired heart diseases in dogs: mitral valve disease in small breeds and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in large breeds. Mitral Valve Disease (Small Breed Dogs): Who it affects: Small breeds like Shih Tzus, Schnauzers and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. The Cause: Genetic factors lead to "knobby" protrusions on the left-side mitral valve, preventing a proper seal and causing blood to leak backward into the left atrium. Proactive Monitoring: Owners should count their dog’s resting respiratory rate monthly while they are horizontally asleep. Normal is 26 to 32 breaths per minute; rates climbing past 38 to 40 require veterinary attention. Symptoms: Look out for reduced exercise tolerance, weight loss (cardiac cachexia), and a persistent cough (often caused by an enlarged heart pressing on the trachea). Prevention & Care: Excellent dental health and routine brushing can prevent bacteria from latching onto damaged heart valves. Dilated Cardiomyopathy / DCM (Large Breed Dogs): Who it affects: Primarily large breeds like Great Danes, Dobermans, Boxers and Newfoundlands, with rare exceptions in small terriers. The Cause: The heart muscle becomes flabby and weak, impairing its ability to contract. DCM can stem from genetic factors, chemotherapy drugs or nutritional deficiencies (taurine and L-carnitine) linked to grain-free or legume-rich diets. Symptoms & Risks: Unlike small dogs, large dogs with DCM are highly prone to dangerous arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), fainting and sudden acute heart failure. Diagnosis and Modern Treatments: Diagnosis is Accessible:…

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