Taurine deficiency in your dog

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs is a heart disease that most commonly has a genetic factor. However, occasionally it can develop secondary to taurine deficiency.

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Taurine is one of the amino acids that are the building blocks of proteins. It has a wide variety of functions within the body. In dogs, taurine is considered a non-essential amino acid. This means that they can normally synthesize an adequate amount of taurine in the body from the amino acids cystine and methionine.

DCM is a disease of the heart muscle that results in the pumping function of the heart reducing and the heart becoming dilated. This can eventually lead to a build-up of fluid in the lungs, called ‘congestive heart failure’ which results in breathing problems. Most commonly DCM occurs due to a genetic abnormality in breeds such as the Doberman Pincher, Irish Wolfhound, Great Dane and Newfoundland among others. However, DCM can also occur due to a deficiency in taurine.

Taurine deficiency in dogs usually occurs either because of an abnormality in the pathway used to synthesis taurine or in dogs on unusual diets. Breeds predisposed to taurine deficiency include Golden Retrievers, Cocker Spaniels, Newfoundlands and Portuguese Water Dogs, but taurine deficiency may also be suspected in any dog that develops DCM but is not a typical breed for genetic DCM. Diets implicated in taurine deficiency include very low-protein diets, high-fiber diets and lamb and rice diets. The reason why these diets can result in taurine deficiency and DCM is not completely clear but it may be that they do not provide sufficient amounts of cystine and methionine, or that they interfere with absorption of these nutrients.

If your dog is diagnosed with DCM, usually by means of a heart ultrasound, and is not a typical breed for genetic DCM or has been on an unusual diet, this may raise suspicion for taurine deficiency. Your veterinarian may take a blood sample from which taurine levels can be measured. They may start a taurine supplement before these results are available and response to supplementation may be assessed with repeat heart scans.

Your dog will be treated with an oral taurine supplement. This may be a life-long treatment depending on the response. The diet may be changed if this is thought to have played a role in the development of taurine deficiency. In some cases additional supplementation with L-carnitine is also needed.

Additional medications for dilated cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure may also be required.

If taurine deficiency is detected early enough, then there is a good chance your dog will recover. The heart function may not return completely to normal but usually medications for congestive heart failure can eventually be weaned. The response to supplementation usually takes 2-6 months to occur and will be monitored with repeat heart scans.