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Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), also referred to as “round heart disease” in turkeys, is a condition in which the heart muscle becomes enlarged and weakened, reducing the heart's ability to pump blood effectively. It is most commonly reported in heavy chicken breeds due to genetic selection for rapid growth, but it has also been diagnosed in ornamental chickens and other avian species, including turkeys, hawks, and companion birds.

Clinical Signs of Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Chickens


Clinical signs are related to decreased cardiac output and poor circulation. Affected birds may exhibit labored breathing, cyanosis (a darkened or bluish comb), lethargy, weakness, and changes in vocalization (such as reduced crowing in roosters). Caretakers may notice subtle behavioral changes prior to diagnosis, for example:
  • A rooster that begins breathing more heavily than normal when challenged by another rooster.
  • A chicken that is unable to keep up with the flock during free-ranging.

Treatment For Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Chickens


Management focuses on controlling arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms) and reducing the risk of heart failure. This may include the use of cardiac medications such as diuretics and ACE inhibitors to support heart function and fluid balance.

Clinical Signs

Exercise intolerance
Weakness
Difficulty breathing
Cyanosis (darkened comb)
Abdominal distension (ascites)
Sudden death
Coughing
Lethargy
Vocalization changes

Diagnosis

  • History
  • Clinical signs
  • Physical Exam
  • Thoracic radiography
  • Echocardiogram (EKG)

Reported Cases

  • Case 1: Dilated cardiomyopathy in a Chicken Congestive heart failure (dilated cardiomyopathy) was diagnosed in a 1-year-old Faverolle hen who died after a brief period of respiratory distress and diarrhea. Necropsy revealed severe ascites, dilation of the right heart, pulmonary congestion and edema, and fibrotic liver. Ref

  • Case 2: Dilated Cardiomyopathy and Atherosclerosis in a Indian Ringneck parakeet Dilated Cardiomyopathy was the cause of death in a 10-year-old female Indian Ringneck parakeet who died suddenly. The bird had severe ascites, and liver and lung fibrosis; the three lesions were considered to be secondary to heart failure. In addition, the bird also had atherosclerosis of major vessels and urate deposits in the kidneys, both of which were considered incidental findings. Ref

Treatment

NameSummary
Supportive careIsolate the bird from the flock and place in a safe, comfortable, warm location (your own chicken "intensive care unit") with easy access to water and food. Limit stress. Call your veterinarian.
CoelomocentesisTo remove build up of coelomic fluid if presentH Beaufrere
Enalapril1-5 mg/kgH Beaufrere
Pimobendan0.25-0.5 mg/kgH Beaufrere
Digoxin0.004-0.02 mg/kgH Beaufrere
SpironolactoneH Beaufrere

Support

Prognosis

poor without early recognition and treatment

Scientific References

Risk Factors

  • Heavy breeds, especially those genetically selected for rapid growth such as the Cornish.

Case Stories

Seasonality

WinterSpringSummerAutumn

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