I've always thought that every species needs taurine. This only makes me sure they do. This is why my dogs get hearts.Taurine Deficiency Induced Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Golden Retrieversby Janet Olson, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology)
Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) is becoming more prevalent in golden retrievers. Dr.
Joshua Stern, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (Cardiology) at UC Davis, starting seeing a pattern
and recognized that many cases were due to dietary taurine deficiency in golden
retrievers fed grain free diets. Here is what we know so far:
Background
Taurine is an amino acid that is found in high concentrations in heart and muscle.
Among its many functions, it aids in normal contractile function. Evidence shows
that taurine helps mediate calcium channel transports and modulates calcium
sensitivity of the myofibrils.
Taurine deficiency as a cause of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is not a new
issue. Taurine deficiency in cats was characterized by Pion et al in the late
1980s. Taurine deficiency has since been characterized as a cause of acquired
DCM in dogs as well.
Currently identified diets of concern in these golden retrievers
According to Dr. Stern, the majority of cases they are seeing at UC Davis are
from grain free diets that are high in legumes, like acana pork and squash
singles.
What can we do? Some Guidelines.
• ASK: Make sure to ask your clients (whether they own golden retrievers or
not) what diets they are currently or previously have fed their dogs
• INFORM: Inform your clients of his issue
• ACT: If they are currently on, or have been on grain free diets in the past,
submit baseline WHOLE blood taurine levels and AFTER submitting the WHOLE
blood taurine levels, switch diets if indicated. Temporary taurine supplementation
may be necessary. If levels are low, take baseline chest films, if cardiomegaly
noted on the radiographs, an echocardiogram is indicated to complete your
baseline evaluation. Additional therapy may be indicated.
Veterinary Cardiology Specialists, PLLC
612-353-7440
www.vetcardiologist.com <> janet.olson@vetcardiologist.com <>
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