THE ALBERTA DOBERMAN PINSCHER CLUB

THE DOBERMAN PINSCHER AND CARDIOMYOPATHY

In an effort to assist researchers at the University of Guelph, members of the Doberman Community joined forces to raise more than $8000 USD!! This money went towards the purchase of much needed research equipment for Dr. Mike O'Grady. Beginning in 2000, the ADPC, along with other clubs and Doberman owners, will participate in Guelph's ongoing study on Dilated Cardiomyopathy. Holter monitors will be sent around the world to collect data in an effort to identify a DNA marker for this deadly disease.

Participants will have their Dobermans' hearts monitored for a minimum of 24 hours with a Holter Monitor. Data on the heart palpatations will be recorded and sent to Guelph for further examination. Participants must agree to have their dogs evaluated each year, so as to monitor any and all changes in the heart rate(s). For more information on this, or to enlist in this wonderful research project, please contact ADPC member and organizer of this project, Roxanne Neufeld.

THE "DOBERMAN HEART STUDY" AT THE OVC

Reproduced with permission from Dr. Michael O'Grady, DVM, MS, Diplomat ACVIM (Cardiology).

WHAT IS "THE DOBERMAN HEART STUDY"?

Dr Clay Calvert says that 10,000 Doberman Pinschers died of Dilated Cardiomyopathy in 1986. Over the last three (3) years, The Doberman Heart Study at the Ontario Vet College has examined at least 225 happy and healthy Doberman Pinschers at least once. Many of these dogs have been examined on multiple occasions. The Study attempts to examine dogs either annually or every three (3) or six (6) months to monitor for any changes in the size or strength of their hearts using cardiac ultrasound and routine electro-cardiography.

WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED ABOUT DOBERMAN DILATED CARDIOMYOPATHY OVER THE LAST THREE (3) YEARS?

1. About half of the healthy and happy Dobermans have weak hearts.
2. Females are equally affected with this disease.
3. Females are affected at an older age and are more prone to sudden death.
4. Abnormal heart beats occur in 16% of healthy and happy Dobermans.
5. 10% of these healthy Dobermans have enlarged hearts.
6. At least 10 of these dogs that were initially normal have gone on to die since the start of The Doberman Heart Study.
7. All dogs that were initially healthy that went on to die of Doberman Dilated Cardiomyopathy had enlarged hearts, weakened hearts and abnormal heart beats.

CAN WE NOW PREDICT OR DIAGNOSE A DOBERMAN THAT WILL GO ON TO DEVELOP DOBERMAN DILATED CARDIOMYOPATHY AS A RESULT OF "THE DOBERMAN HEART STUDY"?

YES.

Dobermans that show mild enlargement of their hearts can be identified. Dobermans that show any abnormal heart beats can be identified.

CAN EARLY IDENTIFICATION HELP DOBERMANS WHO ARE AT RISK FOR DILATED CARDIOMYOPATHY?

YES.

Early work by the Doberman Heart Study Group at the Ontario Veterinary College suggests that early treatment may/does retard the progression of this terminal disorder and lengthen survival and quality time.

WHY DO DOBERMANS DEVELOP DILATED CARDIOMYOPATHY?

We don't have all the answers to this question as yet. As a result of heart muscle biopsy samples obtained from sick Dobermans, we have found a very severe depletion of important protein of the heart. This deficit appears to be present in healthy Dobermans and much more severe in Dobermans with Dilated Cardiomyopathy. In other breeds, no such protein deficiency is present.

WHAT DOES "THE DOBERMAN HEART STUDY" GROUP WISH TO ACCOMPLISH?

1. We plan to test if a virus is responsible for causing Doberman Dilated Cardiomyopathy.
2. We plan to test the cause of the protein deficiency in the heart muscle of Dobermans.
3. We plan to investigate a possible dietary abnormality as the cause of Doberman Cardiomyopathy.
4. We are testing newer and simpler methods of early detection for Dobermans at RISK for developing Dilated Cardiomyopathy.
5. We are investigating different drugs that hopefully will further retard the onset of heart failure in Doberman Dilated Cardiomyopathy.

CAN YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THIS EFFORT TO REDUCE DOBERMAN DILATED CARDIOMYOPATHY?

Y E S ! !

We need to follow more healthy and happy Dobermans. We need to obtain many more heart biopsy samples from both heart sick Dobermans and Dobermans that are being euthanized for other reasons. We need for funds to continue this very important work.

PLEASE HELP SUPPORT THE STUDY BY ENROLLING YOUR DOBERMAN TODAY!!!

DILATED CARDIOMYOPATHY (DCM) - UPDATE

An update report (from 1995) on Dilated Cardiomyopathy reproduced by the Greater Metro Doberman Fanciers with permission from Dr. Michael O'Grady, DVM, MS, Diplomat AVCIM (Cardiology).

DEAR FRIENDS OF DOBERMANS:

WE CONTINUE TO NEED YOUR SUPPORT TO HELP US END THIS DREADED DISEASE OF DOBERMANS CALLED DILATED CARDIOMYOPATHY (DCM).

It has been six (6) years since the first Dobie in this research study walked through the doors at the Ontario Veterinary College in Guelph. Throughout these years we have seen over 500 Dobies and their owners at Guelph. For some (too many) of you it has also been a long lonesome walk back out those doors.

Because of your dedication to these dogs and your generous donations of time, dogs and money, significant and important information has begun to come out of this research.................

WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED TO DATE?

(1) Dobermans, free of all symptoms of heart disease, have hearts that are normally weaker than those of other dogs.
(2) Dobermans are affected with Dilated Cardiomyopathy more than all other breeds combined.
(3) At least 28% of all apparently normal Dobermans will go on to develop Dilated Cardiomyopathy.
(4) Dobermans, both male and female, appear to be equally affected with Dilated Cardiomyopathy.
(5) Dobermans, that appear to be healthy, and demonstrate even one abnormal beat (premature ventricular beat) detected on a routine electrocardiogram (ECG) can be expected to die of cardio within 1.5 to 2 years.
(6) Dobermans, that appear to be healthy, and demonstrate enlargement of the heart by ultrasound can be expected to die of Dilated Cardiomyopathy within 1.5 to 2 years.
(7) SUDDEN DEATH is the first and only symptom in 17% of all Dobermans with Dilated Cardiomyopathy.
(8) All Dobermans that acquire Dilated Cardiomyopathy die of this disorder. THERE IS NO CURE AT THIS TIME.

WHAT REMAINS TO BE DONE?

We need to find earlier clues for dogs destined to develop DCM. The ideal would be to identify genetic markers in dogs at one day of age; but this remains in the future.

At present, ultrasound is the most useful tool to identify Dobermans destined to develop DCM but only if they are going to die within the next 1 to 2 years, and they are often older dogs that have been bred, possibly passing the problem on to their offspring. What about the Dobermans not close to those veterinarians skilled in cardiac ultrasound (echocardiography)? Thus ultrasound only addresses few dogs; we want to involve more Dobermans in our quest to arrest this disease.

Recent work suggests that tests that identify the presence or absence of abnormal heart beats may be especially useful to identify Dobies destined to develop DCM. A particularly useful method of identifying those abnormal beats in dogs involves performing a HOLTER recording (a 24 hour ECG collected on a small portable cassette recorder attached to the dog). The beauty of this test is that it can be performed at home, it is not dangerous, and the recorder and tape with the data can be couriered for analysis. This extended ECG frequently demonstrates abnormal beats that are not evident on the ECG performed in the typical veterinary hospital.

What if we could prove that the detection of any abnormal beats would indicate that those Dobermans are destined to acquire DCM? If we can identify Dobies destined to develop this devastating disease, and particularly very early in the disease the initiation of therapy may profoundly delay the onset of DCM. It may also improve the screening of potential breeding stock; at present there is only the "hit and miss" of pedigree information.

YOU CAN BE A PART OF THE CURE FOR DCM IN THE DOBERMAN!

We would like to assess as many Dobermans as possible for the presence of these abnormal beats. This includes Dobermans both near Guelph (Ontario, Canada) as well as Dobermans throughout North America and Europe. We will produce a video tape demonstrating the method of applying the tape recorder to the dog and will send a copy of this tape with a recorder to groups of interested Dobie owners. Presently we send these tapes to a General Hospital for analysis with a cost of $100.00. With your help, however, we plan to purchase our own analysis unit which will enable us to analyze these cassettes at a cost of approximately $20.00 each. This should make it accessible for all Doberman owners everywhere to have a cassette recording performed on their dog and have the tape mailed to us for analysis. The nominal costs involved would certainly aid in encouraging Doberman owners to participate in the regular reassessments (usually annually) necessary for accurate research and tracking.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

We propose to purchase our own analysis unit and 5 to 10 cassette recorders. This will cost about $30,000 to $40,000. Through individual donations, club donations and fund raising, this goal could become a reality. We are asking for your personal contribution to make this goal a reality.

You may be aware that the current study at the University of Guelph which involves asymptomatic Doberman Pinschers and endeavors to follow these dogs for the rest of their lives has enrolled over 500 Dobermans, and is the largest study of its kind. You should know that this very large effort is funded ALMOST ENTIRELY by the most generous contributions of the owners of these dogs. This is conclusive evidence of the power of determination and commitment of Dobie owners. These efforts convince me that the fund-raising we propose here is truly attainable.

At present, the first sign observed by owners of the presence of DCM in their dog only occurs when the heart is "on its last leg". Truly there is a need for the earlier detection of this devastating disorder. Your contribution may be the one that helps your dog.

In conclusion, this fund-raising effort would open the door to explore this promising test to identify Dobermans early in the course of this disease, an opportunity to involve the Fanciers of Dobermans from all parts of North America in this most important work and a chance for you to be a part of the cure!!! (Hint: If you cannot contribute at this time, do you know of an organization or corporate sponsor in your area who may be approached for support - your efforts would be a definite contribution).

Please accept our most sincere thanks for your attention to this very important opportunity to aid this outstanding, if not sometimes "goofy" breed called the Doberman.

Please send your TAX DEDUCTIBLE donations to DR. MICHAEL O'GRADY, Department of Clinical Studies, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada, N1G 2W1. Make your cheques payable to the University of Guelph.

The Greater Metro Doberman Fanciers strongly supports and donates funds each year to the Dilated Cardiomyopathy Program (DCM) by enrolling their Dobermans and donating to the club's Brag Fund.

Won't you please help this worthy cause?

WHAT ARE WE DOING AT GUELPH?

Dr. Michael O'Grady, DVM, MS, Diplomat AVCIM (Cardiology)
Reprinted with permission by the Greater Metro Doberman Fanciers

We have been asking the owners of healthy Doberman Pinschers to allow us to examine their dogs at least once yearly to assess the size and strength of the dog's heart (by cardiac ultrasound) and the electrical status of their hearts (by electrocardiogram). This work is intended to determine the natural history of Dilated Cardiomyopathy in the Doberman, clues to markers of the disease long before the onset of symptoms, avenues to prevent the progression of the disease, and therapies to assist dogs with symptoms of heart failure.

WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED?

* Dilated Cardiomyopathy is more common in Dobermans than in all other breeds combined.
* At least 25% of Dobermans in the Southern Ontario region can expect to develop Dilated Cardiomyopathy.
* At least 25% of Dobermans will die suddenly (without previously having shown signs of heart disease) and this is due to Dilated Cardiomyopathy.
* ParvoViral Infection is not responsible for Dilated Cardiomyopathy in the Doberman.
* An immunological process characterized by misdirected antibodies is not responsible for Dilated Cardiomyopathy in the Doberman.
* Dobermans usually show evidence of abnormalities in their hearts (by cardiac ultrasound or electrocardiograms) 1-2 years before symptoms of heart failure are demonstrated.
* Starting an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (a drug) before the onset of symptoms of heart failure will delay the onset of symptoms of heart failure. This effect is much more dramatic in male Dobermans.
* This angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor will also reduce the likelihood of developing sudden death referred to above.
* A number of newer drugs are coming onto the market for people with heart failure that hold promise for us to treat Dobermans both early in the disease (before the onset of symptoms) and after the onset of heart failure.

WHAT ARE WE CURRENTLY ACTIVELY WORKING ON?

* Dobermans are being enrolled in a study that is asking the question "If we add a pacemaker to the routine drug therapy for Dobermans in heart failure; will it improve the survival and quality of life?"

* Dobermans are being enrolled in a study that is asking the question "If we start dogs with enlarged hearts but no sign of the disease and provide them with newer drugs; can we delay the onset of signs of heart disease? These drugs include a phosphodisterase III inhibitor, a beta blocker, and/or an angiotensin II receptor blocker."

* Dobermans are being enrolled in the Batista (partial left ventricular reduction) surgery to determine if this procedure will improve survival.

* We are collaborating with a group in Ames, Iowa to determine if a genetic disorder of the mitochondria is responsible for dilated cardiomyopathy in the Doberman.

This is the first time in eight (8) years that we have had a price increase, but like everything else the cutbacks have found us. The hospital charges all researchers a fee for every test and procedure. These have been substantially increased and therefore we have to raise the fee for our examinations in order to keep our research going.

Unfortunately, for those of us who have more than one dog, this can have quite an impact on our wallets. Luckily, we do know in advance when we need to bring our Dobies in and have a chance to budget for it. Having three Dobies in the study, I understand.

The research that has been done here for the past eight (8) years has attracted interest from both the US and Europe and has made this the largest study of its kind. This has given our Dobes the advantage of not only state of the art technology but also the latest drugs available for treatment of DCM. In addition, all costs for dogs in heart failure are paid for. This includes all medications, blood tests, ultra sound, x-rays, surgery, ICU care, etc. To pay for this yourself is approximately $2000 to $4500.

Therefore, the cost of a new dog enrolled into the program will be $60.00 and all repeat exams on the same dog will be $45.00. We hope this does not deter you from considering this important study. Without you, this important study would never have been possible.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO INVOLVE YOUR DOBERMAN IN THE HEART PROGRAM, CALL RHONIE HORNE, UNIVERSITY OF GUELPH SMALL ANIMAL CLINIC, (519) 823-8800, EXTENSION 4047 FOR AN APPOINTMENT.

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