Doberman Project
Long-term screening and research program for Doberman cardiomyopathy
We would like to thank owners for their strong interest in and continued support of our Doberman cardiomyopathy project. The project started in 2014 and has since developed into one of the largest long-term clinical programs on Doberman dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).
Through this work, we have already published many studies that helped improve early diagnosis, refine risk assessment and support more effective treatment decisions in Dobermans.
If you are looking for general medical information about the disease itself, please also visit our page on Doberman cardiomyopathy.
Why participate in the Doberman Project?
Participation gives owners access to specialized breed-focused cardiac screening and follow-up based on many years of clinical and scientific experience.
By taking part in the project, your dog benefits from the latest diagnostic methods and from our extensive experience with this breed-specific disease. If treatment becomes necessary, therapy decisions are based on a large amount of Doberman-specific clinical data.
What has the project achieved so far?
Over the years, we have integrated more than 4,000 examinations of Dobermans into the project.
Our work has focused on:
- earlier detection of Doberman cardiomyopathy
- better interpretation of Holter and echocardiographic findings
- biomarkers such as cardiac troponin I
- new echocardiographic methods for early diagnosis
- better understanding of disease progression and prognosis
- optimization of treatment strategies
- ongoing work toward improved genetic understanding
Why long-term screening matters
Doberman cardiomyopathy often begins with an occult phase in which dogs still appear clinically normal, even though dangerous ventricular arrhythmias may already be present.
Regular screening can therefore detect disease before heart failure develops and, in some dogs, before sudden cardiac death occurs.
Which examinations are included?
The project combines imaging, rhythm monitoring and selected laboratory testing.
Screening generally includes the following examinations and is usually recommended once yearly from about 2 to 3 years of age:
- echocardiography including Doppler and M-mode
- advanced imaging methods such as Simpson method, tissue Doppler, strain and 3D echocardiography when appropriate
- 5-minute ECG
- 24-hour Holter monitoring
- cardiac troponin I (cTnI)
- thyroid testing when indicated
Who should participate?
The project is especially intended for:
- clinically healthy Dobermans from screening age onward
- Dobermans used for breeding evaluation
- Dobermans with suspected arrhythmias or suspected DCM
- Dobermans already diagnosed with DCM and requiring follow-up
Why repeated examinations are important
A single normal examination does not always exclude early disease in a Doberman. For that reason, repeated annual evaluations are much more informative than isolated one-time testing.
This is particularly important in dogs that are still clinically healthy but may already be entering the occult phase.
Project costs and support
The project is supported by research funding and sponsors, which allows us to offer examinations at substantially reduced prices compared with standard private billing.
Because the project involves major long-term costs, not all examinations can be offered free of charge. However, funding support has allowed us to provide substantial reductions for Dobermans enrolled in the program.
The full diagnostic work-up would otherwise be significantly more expensive in routine settings.
Healthy dogs from 3 years of age
Initial and follow-up examinations for healthy Dobermans from 3 years of age are available at a reduced study price.
We are especially interested in owners who bring their dogs regularly for follow-up, because repeated examinations are essential for understanding disease progression and for early diagnosis.
Dogs younger than 3 years and breeding examinations
Breeding examinations and Dobermans younger than 3 years are billed separately and not at the standard study rate for routine screening of older healthy dogs.
Dobermans already diagnosed with DCM
Follow-up examinations of affected dogs may be handled differently depending on whether the dog was previously enrolled in the project while still healthy.
Dogs that were already followed as healthy participants and later develop DCM benefit particularly from the long-term structure of the study.
Very old dogs
Senior Dobermans are also of high scientific value, because they help us better understand which dogs remain healthy at advanced age and how disease risk changes over time.
What makes this project special?
- large long-term Doberman-specific database
- combination of Holter, echocardiography and biomarkers
- focus on early and occult disease detection
- translation of research findings into daily clinical care
- extensive experience with Doberman arrhythmias and DCM
Appointments and participation
For questions about participation or to schedule an appointment, please contact us directly.
Telephone: +49 89 2180 2650
Email: kleintier.kardiologie@lmu.de
Further general contact information is available here: Contact