Small Animal Services: Genetics
Mon.-Fri. | 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Doberman Pinscher Dilated Cardiomyopathy

We have identified a second genetic mutation in Doberman pinschers with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and have a new test available!
We have discovered that there are two mutations that can lead to Doberman pinscher dilated cardiomyopathy, PDK4 (NCSU DCM1) and the newly discovered NCSU DCM2. Although both PDK4 (DCM1) and DCM2 can each independently lead to the development of the disease, the risk is highest when a dog is unlucky enough to have both mutations.
We now recommend that Doberman pinschers be tested for both mutations.
Price per dog for single DCM1 or DCM2 test: $48.00
Price per dog for combo DCM1 and DCM2 test: $70.00
We are now offering a litter discount!
The litter discount applies to litters of FIVE OR MORE. Discount does NOT apply to parents or siblings from other litters. Samples from each puppy in the litter must be submitted together.
About Doberman pinscher DCM
Doberman pinschers are one of the most common breeds of dogs to be affected with Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM). When a Doberman pinscher is diagnosed with DCM, the implication of subsequent abnormalities, such as congestive heart failure and sudden death become concerns.
We have previously demonstrated that dilated cardiomyopathy is an inherited disease in the Doberman pinscher and appears to be inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion. We previously identified one genetic mutation (PDK4; NCSU DCM1) for the disease and have now identified a second, NCSU DCM2. Dogs that carry both mutations are at the highest risk of getting sick from the disease, although dogs with a mutation in either gene can develop the disease as well.
Dr. Kate Meurs of the Veterinary Cardiac Genetics Lab at North Carolina State University presents free webinars! The content is targeted to the dog owner/breeder but anyone is welcome to view the sessions.
2014 Doberman DCM Update – Webinar: https://mymediasite.online.
2016 Doberman DCM Update & DCM2 Gene – Webinar: https://mymediasite.
2019 Doberman DCM Update & DCM2 Gene – Webinar: https://drive.google.com/open?id=12GebCYnOzO6sD8u0PcZb1OUKPvlxni7y