Taurine deficiency and dilated cardiomyopathy in golden retrievers fed commercial diets

Abstract

IntroductionGolden retrievers are over-represented in cases of taurine-deficient dilated cardiomyopathy and recently a surge in cases has prompted further investigation.ObjectiveTo describe the clinical, dietary, and echocardiographic features in golden retrievers diagnosed with taurine deficiency and dilated cardiomyopathy, and to determine specific dietary associations. A second aim was to determine the whole blood taurine concentrations in a representative sample of healthy golden retrievers.AnimalsTwenty-four client-owned golden retrievers with documented taurine deficiency and dilated cardiomyopathy and 52 healthy client-owned golden retrievers.MethodsIn this multicenter prospective observational study, baseline and follow-up echocardiographic data, complete diet and medical histories, and whole blood, plasma, or serum taurine concentrations were obtained. Baseline and follow-up echocardiographic data were compared. Associations were evaluated between specific diets and taurine deficiency or congestive heart failure. The prevalence of low whole blood taurine concentrations in the healthy golden retrievers was calculated.ResultsTwenty-three of 24 dogs diagnosed with taurine deficiency and dilated cardiomyopathy were fed diets that were either grain-free, legume-rich, or a combination of these factors. None of these diets were feeding trial tested using Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) procedures. Twenty-three of 24 dogs had significant improvement in their echocardiographic parameters and normalization of taurine concentrations following diet change and taurine supplementation. Nine of 11 dogs diagnosed with congestive heart failure (CHF) had resolution of their congestion at follow-up with five no longer requiring diuretic therapy and four tolerating diuretic dose reduction by >50%.ConclusionsCertain diets and diet characteristics were associated with the development of taurine deficiency. Taurine deficiency and dilated cardiomyopathy in golden retrievers is likely multifactorial, including a combination of dietary, metabolic, and genetic factors.

Development of plasma and whole blood taurine reference ranges and identification of dietary features associated with taurine deficiency and dilated cardiomyopathy in golden retrievers: A prospective, observational study

“…Nutritionally mediated DCM has been described across a variety of species including dogs and is most historically linked to taurine deficiency [17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27]. Recent peerreviewed research on DCM in breeds that were not previously known to have a genetic etiology has raised concern about the relationship between diets with certain characteristics and the development of nutritionally-mediated DCM [28][29][30]. The Food and Drug Administration issued a warning and subsequently released data that identified dietary characteristics which were over-represented in consumer concern reports [31,32].…”

The Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Taurine on Cardiovascular Disease

“…Almost five decades ago, it was noted that a diet deficient of taurine led to the development of retinopathy in cats [15]. Subsequently, it was shown that cats and dogs with taurine deficiency developed cardiomyopathy [16,17]. Although the effects of taurine deficiency in humans are largely unknown, it is clear that infants depend on taurine for their neurodevelopment [18].…”

Genome wide association analysis in dilated cardiomyopathy reveals two new key players in systolic heart failure on chromosome 3p25.1 and 22q11.23

“…Taurine (TAU) is a highly concentrated amino-acide with cyto-protective action in numerous tissues, especially in contractile ones such as heart (43). Oral TAU supplementation is cardio-protective, while depletion associates with dilated cardiomyopathy in several mammalian species (44,45).…”