Breed specific reference intervals are higher than previously reported across breeds. Golden retrievers eating non-traditional diets had significantly lower taurine concentrations and more frequent systolic dysfunction. Breed-specific reference intervals were constructed for taurine concentrations in dogs from the traditional diet group. Relative risks were calculated for the likelihood of echocardiographic abnormalities and taurine deficiency in each diet group. Dietary features, taurine concentrations and echocardiographic findings were compared between diet groups. Golden retrievers eating traditional or non-traditional diets were evaluated and diet history, taurine concentrations and echocardiographic data were collected. Additionally, we aimed to generate breed-specific reference intervals for whole blood and plasma taurine concentrations. We aimed to compare taurine concentrations and echocardiographic indices of systolic function between golden retrievers in each diet group and elucidate associations between diet and these variables. We hypothesized that golden retrievers eating non-traditional diets are at a higher risk of having taurine deficiency and nutritionally-mediated DCM compared with those eating traditional commercial diets. The role of diet in developing taurine deficiency and echocardiographic changes consistent with DCM in healthy dogs is unknown. Although dietary findings across cases are compelling, prospective studies with control groups are lacking. Golden retrievers represent the most reported breed affected by this condition and previous studies documented the disease is responsive to dietary change and taurine supplementation. A surge in Food and Drug Administration (FDA) consumer complaints identified concerns that legume-rich, grain-free diets were associated with nutritionally-mediated dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).
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