• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.349-354
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• 2006

A 9-month-old, female Miniature Pinscher(MP) dog weighing 1.97kg was presented because of periodic syncopal episode for 5 months. This case was diagnosed as primary dilated cardiomyopathy based on respiratory distress history, weak femoral pulse, generalized cardiomegaly, pulmonary edema, marked dilation of left atrium(LA) and left ventricle(LV), decreased wall thickness of LV and interventricular septum(IVS), increased EPSS in echocardiography, and young age of onset in the absence of other cardiovascular disorders. The patient was stabilized by application of diuretics(Furosemide, 2 mg/kg, SC, q 1 hr) and venodilator(Nitroglycerine patch, 0.5 mg/kg, q 12 hrs). Clinical signs were improved with medical management of positive inotropic vasodilator(Pimobendan, 0.2 mg/kg, PO, q 12 hrs) and angiotensin-converting enzyme(ACE) inhibitor(benazepril, 0.5 mg/kg, PO, q 12 hrs), potassium gluconate gel(2 mEq/dog, PO, q 12 hrs) and, L-carnitine(50 mg/kg, PO, q 12 hrs). The dog still maintains stable clinical status 10 months after the first visit. We report the rare case of DCM in small breed dog, which corresponds to the diagnosis and treatment of typical DCM in large breed dog.