{"id":34428,"date":"2020-11-25T08:57:01","date_gmt":"2020-11-25T08:57:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/addictionpet.com\/en-sg\/?p=34428"},"modified":"2020-11-27T02:49:39","modified_gmt":"2020-11-27T02:49:39","slug":"how-taurine-grain-free-diet-genetics-affect-canine-dcm-development-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/addictionpet.com\/en-sg\/blog\/how-taurine-grain-free-diet-genetics-affect-canine-dcm-development-2\/","title":{"rendered":"How taurine, grain-free diet, and genetics affect canine DCM development"},"content":{"rendered":"

Canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a serious disease that causes inflammation of the heart muscle. For many years, it has been considered a genetic condition. However, recent reports suggest a potential link between taurine deficiency and grain-free diets with canine DCM.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

When a dog has DCM, all the\u00a04\u00a0chambers of the heart become dilated or enlarged. This pressure weakens the heart\u2019s pumping and may cause the heart valves to leak, leading to fluid buildup in the dog’s chest or abdomen. In most cases, dogs with DCM won’t show symptoms until the disease has progressed into the late stages.\u00a0Signs<\/a> of DCM in dogs include: reduced exercise tolerance, abnormal heart sounds or irregular heart rhythm, coughing and excessive panting, lethargy, loss of appetite, swelling of the abdomen, and fainting.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n

Read on to know more about canine DCM and how you can prevent it.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Genetics and early screening of DCM in dogs<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Genetics can play a role in canine DCM development. This is why it\u2019s important to do early screening, especially if your dog is among the breeds at risk such as Doberman Pinschers, Boxers, Irish Wolfhounds, Great Danes, and Cocker Spaniels.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Dogs that are screened early for DCM\u00a0can live\u00a0for 1 to 4 years.\u00a0Meanwhile, dogs\u00a0that are already\u00a0showing symptoms\u00a0may survive for 6 to 24 months\u00a0if given adequate\u00a0medical care.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Screening tests for at-risk breeds include Echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart), 24-hour Holter monitoring (recording of dog’s heart rate and rhythm), and testing for\u00a0natriuretic peptide<\/a> levels (substances produced by the heart). If your dog has high brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal Pro-B-Type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in the bloodstream, it can be a sign of existing heart disease.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

But while genetics is a factor in canine DCM, diet also influences its development. The United States Food and Drug Administration<\/em>\u00a0(USFDA), saw an\u00a0increase<\/a> in the number of DCM cases in\u00a0breeds\u00a0on\u00a0a grain-free diet\u00a0containing\u00a0peas, lentils, potatoes, and legumes. Following the USFDA\u2019s report, many believed that boutique, exotic, or grain-free (BEG) diets cause DCM. But there are no conclusive studies<\/a> yet that can confirm this. The problem may not be what we are feeding our dogs, but what we aren\u2019t.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Taurine\u2019s role\u00a0in cat and dog health<\/strong><\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Evidence suggests that\u00a0taurine\u00a0is essential\u00a0<\/a>for normal cardiac function. For cats, The Association of American\u00a0Feed Control Officials<\/em> (AAFCO) requires a minimum amount of 0.1% taurine content in their diet. Because unlike dogs, felines can\u2019t naturally produce<\/a>\u00a0this amino acid within their own body.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Dogs produce\u00a0taurine by using two other amino acids: cysteine and methionine. They get these nutrients through quality animal protein sources like beef, lamb, salmon, venison, and kangaroo, among others.\u00a0But even though\u00a0dogs can synthesize taurine, some breeds are more\u00a0prone to taurine deficiency.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

To have your dog checked for taurine deficiency, ask your veterinarian to measure their plasma and whole blood taurine levels. According to the University of California Davis\u00a0School of Veterinary Medicine<\/a>, levels may vary depending on a case-to-case basis. But these are the suggested normal levels for each test:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n