“My precious Romo passed
away. Romo lived to be 10 years old despite having a tough start.
He was 4 months old when I rescued him. He had Giardia, had been bitten on
his leg which caused an infection, and he had a seroma from his vaccinations since they gave him all his vaccinations at
the time he was neutered. Romo
was a very loving, kind and extremely smart dog. He developed dilated
cardiomyopathy and kidney disease when he was about 5 years old. I changed his
diet to homemade and started him on a supplement regimen which include the
following products from Ask Ariel:
Purrfect Pet CoQ10 for Dogs
Power Probiotic for Pets
Kidney Health Protein Support for Pets
Resveratrol for Dogs
Renelix Dog and Cat Kidney Formula
I
believe the supplements and changing his food slowed down the progression of
his heart disease and I was able to reverse his kidney disease. His kidney
function and kidney values returned to normal. His vets said he had
kidneys of steel. His heart disease and kidney disease I feel did not
contribute to him passing away, all blood work was normal and heart was
stable. We don't know the reason for his passing, but I miss him every day
and my love for this special dog will never die. Love you Romo, you will
never be forgotten. "
Cindy F. - Illinois
What is dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs? Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a heart condition that can affect dogs. It is characterized by the enlargement (dilation) of the heart chambers, particularly the left ventricle. As the chambers enlarge, the heart muscle becomes thin and weakened, leading to a decrease in the heart's ability to pump blood effectively.
The exact cause of dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs is not always clear, but it is believed to have both genetic and nutritional components. Certain breeds, such as Doberman Pinschers, Boxers, Great Danes, and Cocker Spaniels, are more predisposed to developing DCM.
Symptoms of dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs can include:
Coughing
Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
Fatigue or weakness
Fainting or collapsing
Abdominal distension
Increased respiratory rate
Irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias)
Diagnosis typically involves a combination of physical examination, imaging techniques like X-rays and echocardiography, and sometimes electrocardiography (ECG) to assess the heart's function and rhythm.
