Does anyone have any info/thoughts on supplementing the diet of a dog with heart disease with taurine and l-carnitine? I've read a few positive reports on the 'net but my vet seems to think it's more relevant to cats. Has anyone any experiences relating to this?
Thanks
Elaine

http://www.bowchow.com/specific.html

There is some info on using taurine on this site if that is any help.

Hi Elaine, dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in cats was linked to lack of taurine 15+ years ago. At that time dogs with DCM were not thought to have abnormal taurine levels. Then a couple of studies showed significantly low taurine leves in Newfoundlands with DCM. Another study in 2003 also showed low taurine leves in assorted sized dogs with DCM. Cat foods and all good quality dog foods now have added taurine, but the mechanism for the association of taurine levels & DCM is not understood.

As far as I know there are no studies that show an inprovement in DCM with taurine supplementation, but many people with a DCM dog do supplement on the 'can't do any harm, may do some good' principle. I'm not aware of a relationship with taurine levels in other types of heart disease in dogs.

HTH