Use of M-mode echocardiography in the diagnosis of congestive cardiomyopathy in Doberman pinschers.

M-mode echocardiography performed on 3 groups of Doberman Pinschers--healthy, early cardiomyopathy, and advanced cardiomyopathy (pulmonary edema present). Echocardiographic measurements in those dogs with advanced cardiomyopathy were typical of the disease in human beings and other breeds of dogs. Significant differences were detected between dogs with early cardiomyopathy and those with advanced disease. The E-point septal separation was determined to be the most sensitive and specific criterion for the recognition of early cardiomyopathy.