Study Start Date: 11/01/2020
Study End Date: 11/01/2024

Risk factors for nutritionally-mediated DCM in healthy dogs of 2 size groups: The role of diet category, taurine, cardiac biomarkers, and metabolomics

There has been a surge of cases of canine nutritionally-mediated DCM since 2016. The FDA is collecting data on affected cases; however, many are not reported by the owner or veterinarian. Mechanistic causes and specific risk factors related to diet or other variables have been established although associations have been reported in particular with grain-free diets and/or those with high legume, pulse, and tuber content. Many but not all affected dogs have been larger breeds, so the role of breed size and potentially energy intake or type of diet fed may have an impact on risk. This study will compare the echocardiographic and biochemical differences based upon blood and fecal samples between small and large breed dogs eating grain inclusive versus grain free diets. It will identify the incidence of dilated cardiomyopathy and taurine deficiency. 

Study Design:
Prospective cross-sectional study 

Sample Size:
160 apparently healthy dogs 

Inclusion Criteria:

• Dogs less than 15kg (33lb) or greater than 30kg (66lb).
• Dogs must have been eating a single commercial diet for a minimum of 6 months. (80% of daily calories must come from a single source, so some dry and wet food combinations do not qualify).
• WE ARE CURRENTLY FOCUSING ON ENROLLING DOGS ON GRAIN-FREE DIETS.
• Dogs must be otherwise healthy and have no history of heart disease.
• Dogs must be able to travel to UC Davis campus in California for data collection.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Dogs being fed home-cooked diets.
• Golden retrievers (mixed-breeds are OK).
• Dogs with congenital heart disease or previously diagnosed cardiac disease.
• Dogs receiving sedative medications other than trazodone and gabapentin. 

Study Controls:
N/A

Samples:
Dogs will be examined at UC Davis by study investigators. Owners will need to obtain a picture of the nutritional data on the food being fed, and a fresh fecal sample prior to presenting the dog for evaluation. Dogs will undergo a physical examination, blood collection for taurine analysis and echocardiogram.

Files for Download:
Flyer for study
Study URL: https://studypages.com/s/understanding-the-risk-factors-for-nutritionally-mediated-dilated-cardiomyopathy-dcm-in-healthy-dogs-696104/

Costs/Reimbursements:
All data collection will be performed free of charge.

Full Disclosure information:
The study is funded by a grant from Stern Lab gift funds (including from Instinct), as well as Royal Canin, Center for Companion Animal Health, and American Kennel Club.
Drs Larsen and Stockman participate in CE sponsored by Instinct and RC as attendees and speakers.
The study will be published if results are negative.
The study will be reported on VIN.
The authors will acknowledge VIN if the study is published.