Myocarditis in Dogs

Category: Heart
Breeds documented: 1
Published sources: 4

Overview

Inflammation of the heart muscle is called myocarditis, and it can damage the cells that help the heart pump. It is uncommon and can have infectious or noninfectious causes. Dogs may become weak, lose their appetite or breathe faster than usual. Severe cases can develop dangerous heart rhythms or heart failure, although the underlying cause is not always found.

Signs to watch for

Unusual tiredness or weakness
Eating less than usual
Breathing faster than usual
Reduced stamina during activity
Fainting or collapse

Reported from puppyhood through older adulthood.

Emergency Go to an emergency vet now if your dog is struggling to breathe.

Diagnosis and tests

Vets combine the history and examination with an electrocardiogram, which records heart rhythm, and an ultrasound scan of the heart. Blood tests for cardiac troponin can reveal heart muscle injury, but cannot confirm myocarditis alone. Confirmation requires microscopic examination of heart muscle tissue, which is rarely sampled in a living dog.

Breeds with documented risk

1 breed

By breed size

1 Medium

Finnish HoundMedium · FCI Group 6 (Scent Hounds)

Inheritance

Not yet known
None of the sources we use states how this is inherited in dogs yet.

We've gathered what published sources say about this condition, so you can talk it through with your vet. It isn't veterinary advice: you and your vet know your dog best.