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addition to primary DCM, secondary forms of DCM can also occur in dogs as the result of drugs, toxins, nutritional deficiencies (eg, taurine and thiamine), or other diet-associated factors (eg, contamination of feed by monensin or heavy metals). 7 – 9 In
Abstract
Objective—To evaluate plasma taurine concentrations (PTC), whole blood taurine concentrations (WBTC), and echocardiographic findings in dogs fed 1 of 3 protein-restricted diets that varied in fat and L-carnitine content.
Animals—17 healthy Beagles.
Design—Baseline PTC and WBTC were determined, and echocardiography was performed in all dogs consuming a maintenance diet. Dogs were then fed 1 of 3 protein-restricted diets for 48 months: a low-fat (LF) diet, a high-fat and L-carnitine supplemented (HF + C) diet, or a high-fat (HF) diet. All diets contained methionine and cystine concentrations at or above recommended Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) minimum requirements. Echocardiographic findings, PTC, and WBTC were evaluated every 6 months.
Results—The PTC and WBTC were not significantly different among the 3 groups after 12 months. All groups had significant decreases in WBTC from baseline concentrations, and the HF group also had a significant decrease in PTC. One dog with PT and WBT deficiency developed dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Taurine supplementation resulted in significant improvement in cardiac function. Another dog with decreased WBTC developed changes compatible with early DCM.
Conclusion and Clinical Relevance—Results revealed that dogs fed protein-restricted diets can develop decreased taurine concentrations; therefore, protein-restricted diets should be supplemented with taurine. Dietary methionine and cystine concentrations at or above AAFCO recommended minimum requirements did not prevent decreased taurine concentrations. The possibility exists that AAFCO recommended minimum requirements are not adequate for dogs consuming protein-restricted diets. Our results also revealed that, similar to cats, dogs can develop DCM secondary to taurine deficiency, and taurine supplementation can result in substantial improvement in cardiac function. (Am J Vet Res 2001;62:1616–1623)
Abstract
Objective—To determine signalment, history, clinical signs, blood and plasma taurine concentrations, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic findings, treatment, and outcome of dogs with low blood or plasma taurine concentrations and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).
Design—Retrospective study.
Animals—12 client-owned dogs with low blood or plasma taurine concentrations and DCM.
Procedure—Medical records were reviewed, and clinical data were obtained.
Results—All 12 dogs were being fed a commercial dry diet containing lamb meal, rice, or both as primary ingredients. Cardiac function and plasma taurine concentration improved with treatment and taurine supplementation. Seven of the 12 dogs that were still alive at the time of the study were receiving no cardiac medications except taurine.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggest that consumption of certain commercial diets may be associated with low blood or plasma taurine concentrations and DCM in dogs. Taurine supplementation may result in prolonged survival times in these dogs, which is not typical for dogs with DCM. Samples should be submitted for measurement of blood and plasma taurine concentrations in dogs with DCM, and taurine supplementation is recommended while results of these analyses are pending. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 2003;223:1137–1141)
Abstract
Objective—To determine the dietary patterns and intake of nutrients of concern in dogs with cardiac disease.
Design—Prospective study.
Animals—82 dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) or chronic valvular disease.
Procedure—Owners of dogs were contacted and given a standardized telephone questionnaire regarding diet and a 24-hour food recall to determine daily intake of calories, protein, fat, sodium, potassium, and magnesium.
Results—Among the 82 dogs, 71% had no congestive heart failure (CHF), and 29% had CHF or a history of CHF. Sixty-one percent of dogs had concurrent diseases. Anorexia was or had been evident in 34% of dogs and was significantly more common in the CHF group and in dogs with DCM. Most dogs (92%) received some treats and table food, with a median percentage of daily calories from treats of 19% (range, 0% to 100%). Most owners (57%) that administered pills used human or pet foods for pill administration. Most dogs ate more than the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) minimum values for fat and protein. Daily sodium intake varied from 14 to 384 mg/100 kcal, compared with the AAFCO minimum of 17 mg/100 kcal. A median of 25% of total daily sodium came from treats and table food (range, 0% to 100%). Dogs with CHF ate significantly more sodium, compared with dogs with no CHF.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Dietary intake for dogs with cardiac disease is highly variable and often not optimal. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 2003;223: 1301–1305)
Diet-associated DCM first came to light in cats in the late 1980s 1 and in dogs in the mid-1990s. 2 The association between diet and DCM in dogs has generally not been much in the news since the early 2000s, but over the past few years, an
Spaniels, and Newfoundlands. 11 – 16 More recently, suspected cases of diet-associated DCM have increased in many breeds of dogs, 17 , 18 with the role of taurine deficiency in these cases being of questionable significance. 19 – 21 Decreased taurine
gene 2 (a gene involved in mitochondrial energy production) and the TTN gene 3 (a sarcomeric gene involved in cardiac contraction). However, some Doberman Pinschers with DCM do not have either of these genetic mutations, suggesting that there may be
I nvestigations into a potential link between consumption of grain-free (GF), high-pulse diets, and the development of a dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) phenotype in dogs have been ongoing since 2018. 1 – 7 Pulse ingredients are defined as dry
Boxers and Doberman Pinschers are frequently affected with cardiomyopathy, although the forms of the disease in these breeds (DCM or ARVC) may have somewhat different characteristics. 1-3 Ventricular arrhythmias are common in both forms: DCM
collaboration as dilated cardiomyopathy afflicts more dogs Meeting materials describe DCM as scientific puzzle, with potential associations to certain diets By Greg Cima Food and Drug Administration officials have received 1,100 adverse event reports of
