![]() Taurine is linked to bile acids in the liver to form bile salts. Another role of taurine in the body is that it is necessary for normal bile acid function. This discovery led to a series of controlled studies that supported the existence of taurine-deficiency DCM in cats who were fed diets that contained sufficient concentrations of taurine. In a seminal study, a veterinary researcher at UC Davis reported low plasma (blood) taurine levels in 21 cats with clinical signs of DCM. 1 When the cats were supplemented with taurine, all 21 recovered from the disease. By 1987, a role for dietary taurine was suspected. In the early 1980s, veterinarians began reporting increased incidences of DCM in pet cats. Looking back, I cannot avoid a sense of déjà vu. ![]() Why does this happen? The history of DCM in cats can help in untangling what may be occurring in dogs. ![]() However, we know that some dogs still develop taurine-deficiency DCM. In contrast, dogs (usually) do not require a source of dietary taurine. We also know quite a lot about the dietary factors that contribute to this disease in that species. Taurine-deficiency DCM is well documented in cats. If they do not have it, one of the diseases that they can develop (and possibly die from) is – you guessed it – DCM. Cats (but not dogs) always require a source of taurine in their food. This means that while most animals require taurine physiologically, most do not have a dietary requirement for taurine. Most animals obtain adequate taurine to meet their needs by producing it endogenously (in the body) from two other amino acids, methionine and cysteine. Taurine has many functions, but two that are important for this discussion involve its role in normal heart function and its presence as a component of bile acids, which are needed for fat digestion. It is not incorporated into proteins but rather is found primarily as a free amino acid in body tissues and circulating in the blood. The nutrient taurine is a unique type of amino acid, called a beta-amino sulfonic acid. What is Taurine? Why Do Dogs Need Taurine? Often, owners of middle-aged or senior dogs think that their dogs’ symptoms are “just old age,” but a quick diagnosis and treatment can restore an affected dog’s quality of life to nearly normal – and extend the dog’s life far past an untreated dog’s prognosis.ĭCM treatment usually involves medications that help the dog’s heart to contract, slow his rapid pulse, help control the accumulation of fluid in his lungs, and dilate his blood vessels – all actions that will improve the heart’s performance. That’s why it’s important to make an appointment to see your veterinarian right away if your dog displays any of these signs, or more than one of these signs. – Difficulty breathing, rapid or excessive breathing, or seeming shortness of breathīy the time these DCM signs appear, the disease may already be fairly advanced. ![]() As this condition progresses, it causes congestive heart failure. The heart becomes enlarged and flabby, and fluid begins to accumulate in the dog’s lungs. Let us avoid this type of reaction and instead look at the evidence: What do we currently know about the role of diet and taurine in the development of DCM in dogs – and how is it that “grain-free” foods have been recently targeted as a possible dietary cause? Signs of Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) in DogsĭCM is a disease of the heart, which causes the heart muscles themselves to weaken, which, in turn, reduces the ability of the heart to pump blood through the dog’s body as it should. These ingredients are found commonly in foods that are formulated and promoted as “grain-free.”Īs these things go, there followed a lot of hype and a fair bit of hysteria in response. Foods containing high levels of peas, lentils, other legume seeds, and/or potatoes were identified by the FDA as potential risk factors. It is speculated that these cases are related to the consumption of foods that negatively affect taurine status, leading to taurine-deficiency DCM. The reported cases occurred in breeds that are not considered to be genetically predisposed to this disorder.įurther, a significant number of the dogs were found to have reduced levels of circulating taurine in their blood and have responded positively to taurine supplementation. This disorder is characterized by weakening of the heart muscle, which leads to a decreased ability of the heart to pump, and if untreated, to cardiac failure. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released an alert to veterinarians and pet owners regarding reports of increased incidence of a heart disease called canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Possible Risk Factors for Taurine-Deficiency DCM:įactors that increase taurine-degrading microbes in the intestine ![]()
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