The aims of this study were to evaluate taurine levels in English cocker spaniels with dilated cardiomyopathy and assess their survival time and natural progression of their disease.Materials and MethOds: Retrospective comparison of English cocker spaniels with dilated cardiomyopathy phenotype with and without taurine deficiency at the cardiology department of a UK academic referral centre between 2008 and 2018. results: Taurine plasma concentration was available in 16 English cocker spaniels with dilated cardiomyopathy phenotype; 13 of 16 had congestive heart failure and three of 16 did not. Taurine concentration was low (<50 μmol/L) in 13 of 16 and normal in three of 16. Deficient dogs received taurine supplementation in addition to conventional cardiac medications. Eight dogs were still alive at the end of this study and eight were dead. MST for all dogs included in the study was 2800 days. Left ventricular systolic function improved and left ventricular dimensions reduced in English cocker spaniels with taurine deficiency following taurine supplementation and conventional cardiac therapy, although similar results were observed in English cocker spaniels with normal taurine concentration on cardiac therapy alone. clinical significance: Based on laboratory reference intervals, low taurine concentrations were common in English cocker spaniels with dilated cardiomyopathy, showing a possible association between dilated cardiomyopathy in English cocker spaniels and taurine deficiency; supplementation with taurine was not curative.

A dog was referred to the authors' hospital for further investigations of pelvic limb collapsing episodes. Physical examination revealed a positive hepatojugular reflux, positive fluid thrill on abdominal palpation and an irregular heart rhythm (144 bpm) with pulse deficits. A six-lead ECG showed focal atrial tachycardia. Doppler echocardiography revealed systolic dysfunction, dilated cardiomyopathy phenotype and the presence of a heterogeneous mass in the right atrium; this was confirmed by a CT study. Free abdominal fluid was detected, sampled and analysed: this was consistent with modified transudate secondary to right-sided congestive heart failure. The dog responded well to heart failure and anti-arrhythmic medications. He was presented 8 weeks after development of respiratory signs (cough). Investigations revealed stable cardiac disease but several radiopaque nodules within the lung parenchyma compatible with metastatic disease. Ten weeks after presentation, the dog was euthanised due to worsening of the respiratory signs.