Taurine deficiency in dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy: 12 cases (1997-2001).
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).


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
12 client-owned dogs with low blood or plasma taurine concentrations and DCM.


METHODS
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
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.
Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616-8741, USA.
Andrea J
AJ
Fascetti
John R
JR
Reed
Quinton R
QR
Rogers
Robert C
RC
Backus
D000821:Animal Feed / Q000009:adverse effects; D000824:Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D000818:Animals; D002311:Cardiomyopathy, Dilated / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D004285:Dogs; D004452:Echocardiography / Q000662:veterinary; D004562:Electrocardiography / Q000662:veterinary; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D009751:Nutritional Requirements; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013654:Taurine / Q000097:blood / Q000172:deficiency*
D013654:Taurine