![]() Many of the pets were fed exclusively dry food (86%), with smaller numbers eating wet/dry combinations, raw diets, or homecooked diets. A much smaller proportion of diets contained potatoes. Of the reported cases, more than 90% of the diets were labeled as ‘grain-free’, and 93% of the diets contained peas and/or lentils as a main ingredient. ![]() Some of the cases showed evidence of low blood taurine levels, while others had normal or high blood taurine levels. The reported cases included a wide range of breeds, many without a genetic predisposition to developing DCM. This update detailed 574 reported cases of DCM between January 2014 and April 2019 (560 dogs and 14 cats). Many of the implicated diets were labeled as ‘grain-free’, and contained peas, lentils, other legume seeds, and/or potatoes.Īn update on the investigation was released in June 2019. In July of 2018, the FDA announced it had begun investigating reports of DCM in dogs eating certain diets. This recent association has resulted in many concerned owners and veterinarians alike. Veterinary cardiologists across the country have been diagnosing increased rates of DCM in dogs eating these diets, with many dogs showing improvement when the diet is changed. More specifically, the implicated diets are collectively referred to as ‘BEG diets’ from Boutique companies, contain Exotic ingredients, and many are labeled as Grain-free. Recently, the focus has shifted to an association between grain-free diets and the development of DCM in our canine patients. ![]() Similarly, patients with tachycardia induced DCM can show full reversal of the cardiac changes once the underlying arrhythmia has been treated and controlled. Many cases of nutritionally induced DCM can be reversed if the nutritional deficiency is identified and treated. While idiopathic DCM is the most commonly observed form, the other causes are important to keep in mind and identify. Some other causes of DCM include infectious/inflammatory processes (such as myocarditis), nutritional causes (such as taurine deficiency), and tachycardia induced DCM (secondary to persistent tachyarrhythmias). Patients with this form of the disease are said to have ‘primary’ or ‘idiopathic’ DCM. The classic form of DCM in dogs is naturally occurring and heritable, most commonly observed in breeds such as Doberman Pinschers, Great Danes, and Irish Wolfhounds. Other complications include arrhythmias, syncope, and/or sudden death. The disease is progressive, resulting in worsening cardiac function, heart enlargement, and ultimately congestive heart failure. Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs is a primary myocardial disease characterized by enlargement and decreased function of one or both ventricles.
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