Puppy Heart Disease

The disease known as Puppy Heart Disease is also called Juvenile Dilated Cardiomyopathy (JDCM). Pups with this illness develop an enlarged heart and hepatic congestion. Portuguese water dogs are the most common victims of this deadly illness.

  1. Symptoms

    • Puppy Heart Disease shows up in pups who die between the 6 and 27 weeks old. The puppy experiences anorexia, vomiting, rapid heart beat rhythm and lethargy before dying. These symptoms only show up after the puppy has appeared for a few months to be healthy.

    Testing

    • The Keeva Bay dog website says: "JDCM is genetically transmitted and we now have a genetic market test to identify carriers. Good, responsible breeders can avoid producing affected puppies through genetic testing and research so not to breed dogs and bitches who are carriers of JDCM."

    Buying Puppies

    • When purchasing a puppy, ask the breeder for the medical history of the pup so you will know if the dog has been tested for JDCM.