Dilated cardiomyopathy / DCM4 (RNF207 risk marker) - Doberman

What does this test analyse?

This genetic test analyses the RNF207 marker c.1297-1G>A for genetic risk information around dilated cardiomyopathy / DCM in Dobermans. This analysis is intended as one layer within the broader Doberman DCM risk picture.

What does dilated cardiomyopathy mean?

Dilated cardiomyopathy, abbreviated DCM, is a serious heart disease in which especially the left ventricle enlarges and the heart muscle pumps less effectively. The condition is also known as enlarged heart cardiomyopathy, DCM, familial cardiomyopathy, cardiomyopathy with arrhythmias and, depending on the variant, sudden cardiac death risk.

Dogs can show few obvious signs for a long time. When the disease develops, reduced exercise tolerance, weakness, fainting, coughing, rapid or difficult breathing, fluid accumulation, cardiac arrhythmias and sudden death may occur.

Practical value of this test

• Gives breeders and owners concrete genetic risk information in a breed where DCM is common.
• Helps include known Doberman DCM markers in breeding plans, selection and line follow-up.
• Allows dogs with one or two copies of the marker to be followed more purposefully and combinations with multiple risk markers to be planned more consciously.
• Supports practical decisions around purchase, mating, litter planning and timely cardiac follow-up.

Inheritance and result

Doberman DCM is multifactorial. This test analyses one specific genetic risk marker. A negative result reduces the information for this marker, but DCM risk still depends on multiple genetic and non-genetic factors. One or two copies give a genetic risk profile for this marker.