Heart study appeals for 300 dogs

Dobermanns from across the UK will be taking part in the study

University researchers want to recruit 300 dogs for a study into how heart disease affects Dobermanns.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM), which weakens the heart, is common in the breed and vets at the University of Liverpool want to find out why.

The screening programme will operate at vets' surgeries throughout the UK.

Run in partnership with the Dobermann Breed Club, the research programme will be officially launched at a dog show in Belper, Derbyshire.

DCM can affect dogs, cats and humans and causes the heart to become enlarged and weakened. The symptoms can go undetected for some time.

Screening - for dogs aged over three - will involve blood tests and ultrasound investigations.

Genetic tests

Nuala Summerfield, a veterinary cardiologist at the university, said: "It is important that we find treatments in the symptom-free stage, as once the dog begins to show outward signs of the disease, it is much more difficult to treat.

"Currently very little is known about DCM in both domestic animals and human beings. We hope to form a more accurate picture of how the disease works and more importantly how we can prevent it.

"We aim to use this knowledge to identify if there are any genes involved in causing the disease, which will help scientists develop genetic tests to screen young dogs before the condition arises."

The official launch of the study will take place at the Midland Dobermann Club Open Show in Belper on Sunday.