FDA studies potential link between diet, canine heart disease

The US Food & Drug Administration alerts pet owners and veterinary professionals about cases of dilated canine cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs that consume certain foods containing peas, lentils , other legumes or potatoes. these reports are unusual because DCM occurs in breeds that are not genetically prone to disease. The Center for Veterinary Medicine and the FDA's Veterinary Laboratory Investigation & Response Network, a collaboration of government and veterinary diagnostic laboratories, are studying this potential badociation.

DCM canine is a disease of the heart muscle of a dog and causes an increase in heart volume. As the heart and its chambers dilate, it becomes harder for the heart to pump, and the heart valves can leak, leading to a build-up of fluids in the chest and abdomen, explained the FDA, noting that DCM often leads to congestive heart failure. 19659002] Cardiac function can improve in cases that are not related to genetics with proper veterinary treatment and dietary modification, if detected early, according to the agency.

The underlying cause of DCM is not really known, reported the FDA, indicating that breeds that are generally more commonly affected by DCM include large breed dogs and giants, such as Great Danes. , Boxers, Newfoundland, Irish Wolfhounds, St. Bernard and Doberman Pinschers. It is less common in small and medium-sized dogs, except American and English Cocker Spaniels.

However, cases reported to the FDA include Golden Golden Retrievers and Labrador, Whippets, Shih Tzu, Bulldog and Schnauzers Miniatures, diets in cases reported to the FDA frequently list potatoes or multiple legumes such as peas, lentils, other "legumes" (legume seeds) and their proteins, starches and fiber derivatives early in the world.

Early reports from the veterinary community indicate that dogs regularly consume these foods as the main source of nutrition for periods ranging from several months to several years. High levels of legumes or potatoes appear to be more common in diets labeled as "grain free", but it is not yet known how these ingredients are related to DCM cases, the FDA said. Changes in diet, especially for dogs with DCM, should be made in consultation with a licensed veterinarian.

In reports that the FDA received, some of the dogs showed signs of heart disease, including a decrease in energy, coughing, breathing difficulties, and episodes of collapse. Medical records of four atypical DCM cases – three Golden Retrievers and one Labrador Retriever – show that these dogs had low levels of taurine in the amino acid in whole blood. Taurine deficiency is well documented to lead to DCM. The Labrador Retriever with low levels of whole blood taurine is recovering with veterinary treatment, including taurine supplementation, and a change in diet.

The FDA continues to work with certified veterinary cardiologists and veterinary nutritionists to better understand the clinical presentation of these dogs. The agency has also been in contact with feed manufacturers to discuss these reports and contribute to the investigation.

The FDA encourages pet owners and veterinary professionals to report cases of DCM in dogs suspected of having a dietary link. Safety Reporting Portal or FDA Consumer Complaints Coordinators call their state. Please see the link below on "How to Report a Pet Food Claim" for additional instructions.