title: Taurine-deficient dilated cardiomyopathy in a family of golden retrievers.
abstract: A reversible taurine-deficient dilated cardiomyopathy occurred in five related golden retrievers. An apical systolic heart murmur was the most common physical abnormality. According to fractional shortening and end-systolic diameter on echocardiography, significant improvements (P<0.005) were recorded within 3 to 6 months of starting taurine supplementation. The dogs regained substantial systolic function, and four were weaned off all cardiac medications except taurine. This response to therapy was unusual, because canine dilated cardiomyopathy is generally progressive and fatal.
authors.affiliation: Companion Animal Research Group, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Montreal, St-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada.
authors.forename: Marie C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Bélanger
authors.forename: Mathieu
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ouellet
authors.forename: Guillaume
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Queney
authors.forename: Maxim
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Moreau
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002311:Cardiomyopathy, Dilated / Q000209:etiology / Q000235:genetics / Q000662:veterinary*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D040181:Genetic Diseases, X-Linked / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D008297:Male; D010375:Pedigree; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013654:Taurine / Q000097:blood / Q000172:deficiency* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D013654:Taurine