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In observance of Thanksgiving, we will be closed from November 20-26th. We appreciate your referrals and look forward to seeing your patients the following week. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Convenient Knoxville Location | call us today 865-315-8263

WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE FEEDING YOUR DOG A GRAIN-FREE, EXOTIC INGREDIENT, OR BOUTIQUE DIET

If you believe your dog is at risk for taurine deficient Dilated Cardiomyopathy, please review the following information. These guidelines are based on current information provided by cardiologists at Tufts and University of California College of Veterinary Medicine. 

1. If you wish to have taurine levels tested, please request both a whole blood and plasma taurine level be submitted (lithium heparin tube) for analysis. Plasma is preferred by most if one must be chosen.

Testing for taurine requires special handling. Taurine is present in high concentrations in “buffy coat” cells and platelets and can be released into plasma with improper sample handling. Vacutainer collection systems should not be used. The needle should be removed from the syringe before blood is placed gently into the heparinized tube. Samples should be properly centrifuged and separated (for plasma) and immediately refrigerated. 

Lab submission details are available HERE

2. If you believe that your dog is showing signs of DCM already, please seek an appointment with your veterinarian immediately. Symptoms include coughing, decreased activity or decreased stamina, abnormal heart rate or rhythm, collapse, fainting, increased breathing rate, and weight loss. Symptoms that can be picked up during a physical exam include a heart murmur, arryhthmia, or abnormal lung sounds. DO NOT SUPPLEMENT OR CHANGE DOG FOODS BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT. 

3. If taurine test levels return as low OR if your pet is showing symptoms of DCM, your veterinarian should perform chest x-rays, ecg, blood pressure and comprehensive labwork. A comprehensive echocardiogram should then be performed. It is very important that the echocardiogram findings be evaluated by a cardiologist. DO NOT SUPPLEMENT OR CHANGE FOODS UNTIL THE CARDIOLOGY EVALUATION IS COMPLETED. 

4. If your dog receives a diagnosis of Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM), please take an image of the food bag, ingredient list, and lot number.

5. Report it to the FDA. This can be done either online or by telephone. The FDA may be able to help with testing costs for your dog. 

6. Change your dog’s diet to one made by a well-known reputable company and containing standard ingredients such as chicken, beef, rice, corn or wheat. Please know that changing to a raw or homecooked diet will not protect your dog from this issue (and may increase the risk for other nutritional deficiencies).  If your dog requires a homecooked diet or has other medical conditions that require special considerations, be sure to talk to a veterinary nutritionist (acvn.org) before making a dietary change. You can also consider BalanceIt to formulate a diet that is complete and balanced.  

7. Start taurine supplementation. The dose and brand are important! Be sure to use a brand of taurine with good quality control. See your veterinarian for dosage recommendations.

8. Make sure your dog is getting the best combination of medications to treat his heart disease. This can make a difference in outcome. 

If you have questions on how to proceed, please email us at dvm@etvetus.com.

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