The association between taurine concentrations and dog characteristics, clinical variables, and diet in English cocker spaniels: The Canine taURinE (CURE) project.

BACKGROUND

Occurrence of low blood taurine concentrations (B-TauC) and predisposing factors to taurine deficiency in English Cocker Spaniels (ECS) are incompletely understood.

OBJECTIVES

Investigate the occurrence of low B-TauC in a Swedish population of ECS and evaluate the association between B-TauC and dog characteristics, clinical variables, and diet composition.

ANIMALS

One-hundred eighty privately owned ECS.

METHODS

Dogs were prospectively recruited and underwent physical examination, blood analyses, and echocardiographic and ophthalmic examinations. Dogs with clinical signs of congestive heart failure (CHF) also underwent thoracic radiography. Taurine concentrations were analyzed in plasma (EDTA and heparin) and whole blood. Diets consumed by the dogs at the time of the examination were analyzed for dietary taurine- (D-TauC), cysteine- (D-CysC), and methionine concentrations (D-MetC).

RESULTS

Fifty-three of 180 dogs (29%) had low B-TauC, of which 13 (25%) dogs had clinical and radiographic signs of CHF, increased echocardiographic left ventricular (LV) dimensions and volumes, and impaired LV systolic function. Five (9%) dogs with low B-TauC had retinal abnormalities. Dietary MetC, dietary animal protein source (red/white meat), and age were associated with B-TauC in the final multivariable regression model (P < .001, R  = .39).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

Low B-TauC suggests that taurine deficiency may play a role in the development of myocardial failure and CHF in ECS. Low D-MetC and diets with red meat as the animal protein source were associated with low B-TauC. Dogs with B-TauC below the normal reference range were older than dogs with normal concentrations.