Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Just found out my 4 yr old English Pointer has Dilated Cardiomyopathy. Vet says his heart is about 1/3 bigger than it should be. Vet put him on Pimobendan for his heart. Also he has fluid in the lungs and she (The Vet) put him on Azithromycin for that. Anybody ever dealt with this before on a hunting dog? From what I read they typically don't live much past 2 yrs once diagnosed.

Any info will be appreciated.

I’ve heard of it, not had any of my pointers come down with it yet. I’m assuming it’s hereditary?

When I saw this, I remembered that just yesterday I saw an article that they are looking at a relationship between this disease and grain free dog food and genetics. There are a ton of articles on this but I didn't see anything solid nor did I see anything estimating mortality. Google it and you'll see what I'm talking about. I'll keep looking and see if I can find anything regarding mortality once diagnosed. If you google life expectancy once diagnosed, it will give you estimates but I'm no veterinarian nor is the internet. Best to ask your vet. Good luck with the pup. I know they are like a family member.

^^^^^^ This. Several recent studies have heavily suggested there is a connection. Most reputable vets are aware of this and will highly recommend your dog not eat a "grain free" dog food. Unfortunately, dog food companies and marketing have led everyone down this path IMO. Like all of us bipeds NEEDING to eat "Gluten Free".

my wife had a heeler who loved to retrieve quail. However, you had to be sure to whoa her with dogs on point or she would try to bust the covey.

I hate to hear that, 4 years old is so young to have heart problems.

I'd recommend taking your dog to a specialist for an echocardiogram (assuming you haven't already) This is the best test to diagnose the disease. Not sure where you are located, but should be able to get it done in one of the bigger cities or at TAMU.

I 1000% agree with doc’s recommendation of TAMU.
I live in a big city with tons of specialists, and still make the 1 1/2 to 2 hour drive to TAMU.
If anything arises that my regular vet can’t handle, we go to A&M.

Knock on wood, we haven’t had any major heart problems.
I was up there for something else at the time, and they were doing heart surgery on dog.

I'd have him tested for Chagas disease-- it can cause this and is not uncommon in S. Texas bird dogs. Maybe to late to do much about this guy but if it is the cause it is something to watch for in your next dog.

If he tests positive drop me a line. There is treatment if caught early.