6/11/2023 0 Comments Taurine foodsThe length of time that your dog will need taurine supplementation will depend on the severity of the deficiency and your dog's ability to maintain levels of taurine as it is ingested. Taurine supplementation is the treatment of choice for dogs suffering from taurine deficiency. However, if present in any dog, it may indicate amino acid malabsorption, which can potentially be causing taurine deficiency. If cysteine stones/ crystals are found in the urinalysis, it is likely your dog has an issue metabolizing amino acids.Ĭystinuria is more common in certain breeds, such as the following: Likewise, blood-taurine concentrations should be evaluated if retinal damage (problems with your dog’s eyes) is found during a physical exam by your veterinarian. If heart disease is suspected based on physical exam and/or blood work (e.g., low blood taurine), then chest X-rays, electrocardiogram (ECG), and other diagnostic measures would be recommended in order to evaluate and diagnose the severity of the disease. Taurine deficiency may be suspected if heart disease, retinal disease, and/or cystinuria are identified via the physical exam and/or initial laboratory results. Taurine is distributed throughout the body with high concentration in certain tissues, including the heart, the retina of the eye, and the brain. What Health Issues Are Caused by Taurine Deficiency in Dogs? There are “normal” ranges for blood-taurine concentrations in dogs, so if the measured concentration is lower than that range, taurine deficiency is probable. Then, your veterinarian would conduct a complete physical examination of your dog and do routine blood work, including:īlood concentrations of taurine can be measured by a laboratory to determine whether deficiency is likely. Veterinarians would first need a thorough history of your dog's health, including a list of symptoms and the diet fed. However, the question remains whether the DCM occurs due to an overall lack of taurine in the dog food or other dietary factors that cause problems with taurine digestion, absorption, metabolism, and/or excretion. While research is ongoing, there are theories that the onset of DCM is related to the diet, specifically, grain-free diets. Recently, studies have found a connection between DCM and these breeds of dogs: This is true for cats, and may now also be true for dogs. Taurine deficiency is one cause of a heart condition called dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), where the heart muscle thins and the chambers become enlarged. Taurine Deficiency and Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Dogs The extent to which dogs may require dietary taurine is still under investigation and may be breed dependent. To date, however, there are no stated requirements for supplementing dog food with taurine. Since taurine is known to be ‘essential’ for cats, cat food must have taurine supplemented in quantities established by the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and the National Research Council (NRC). Here’s what you need to know about the amount of taurine in dog food, the risk of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) from taurine deficiency, and whether you should consider taurine supplements for dogs. Taurine is known to be a dietary requirement for cats and may be for some dog breeds as well. The other 10 amino acids are “essential,” meaning they must be supplied by the diet. In dogs, 12 of these amino acids are “nonessential,” meaning the body can make them on its own. There are 22 amino acids that are needed for proper functioning of the body. Reviewed and updated for accuracy on Apby Amanda Ardente, DVMĪmino acids are the basic building blocks of protein.
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