GSD Woman
Well-Known Member
Found the article. It is from 2019. Because I'm feeling bitchy and avoiding starting my CE I'm going to nit pick.
{However, a couple of years ago, a handful of US vets claimed to have seen an increase in cases of DCM and it is these reports that provided the spark for the entire DCM crisis that we find ourselves in today.}
What percentage is a "handful?" Did this "handful" refer these patients to a veterinary cardiologist? Did the board certified veterinary cardiologist confirm the diagnosis via echocardiogram?
{ It's worth noting here that the term 'BEG' essentially encompasses all brands that aren't The Big Three or their subsidiaries: 'Boutique' meaning smaller or newer companies; 'exotic' meaning any ingredient that isn't run-of-the-mill; and Grain-Free being the category of choice for most competitor brands }
Maybe this is true in the UK. I don't know. In the USA most of the "Big 3" have some foods with exotic ingredients. Rabbit, kangaroo for a while, bison, pheasant, and ostrich that I know of. Purina has grain free as does Nutro, Taste of the Wild, and Iams. Many of the lesser known brands are actually manufactured by a larger firm. I can no longer remember the relationships.
{Vets too would likely not have been immune, being more watchful for and more likely to report cases of DCM in dogs on grain-free and/or boutique diets than those that were not. }
N of one here. My own dog was in for a check up. My vet was and is a friend and we talked training, repro (her boarded specialty), and who knows what else before she actually listened. She picked up a grade 2 heart murmur. We discussed it and the fact that he had never had a murmur before. I believe he was 7 at the time.
I was referred to the cardiologist. The finding was not DCM fortunately, but my dog was feed a good quality grain free dry kibble. I supplement with raw beef marrow bones and raw turkey necks as well as commercial biscuits, training treats and table scraps. 18 months later after a change of diet the murmur was down to a very soft grade 1 and there was no progression of the mitral valve defect. The dog has been recleared for breeding purposes.
{The investigation is still ongoing but it is clear that it has a long way to go before any connections can be remotely confirmed. }
Here is my original statement on the subject thread.
One thing to add. Grain free is thought to be a possible cause of DCM.
OK, now that I've spent waaaay too much time doing this I'll list my credentials so you'll know I'm not totally full of poop. Associate in Applied Sciences, Veterinary Technology, graduated Suma Cum Lauda, Blue Ridge Veterinary College, Weyers Cave, Va. class of 1994. Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician, Laboratory Animal Technician, BFA Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA. Licensed by the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Health Professions to Practice as a Veterinary Technician, former proofreader for K. Nicholson, DVM, Ph.D.
{However, a couple of years ago, a handful of US vets claimed to have seen an increase in cases of DCM and it is these reports that provided the spark for the entire DCM crisis that we find ourselves in today.}
What percentage is a "handful?" Did this "handful" refer these patients to a veterinary cardiologist? Did the board certified veterinary cardiologist confirm the diagnosis via echocardiogram?
{ It's worth noting here that the term 'BEG' essentially encompasses all brands that aren't The Big Three or their subsidiaries: 'Boutique' meaning smaller or newer companies; 'exotic' meaning any ingredient that isn't run-of-the-mill; and Grain-Free being the category of choice for most competitor brands }
Maybe this is true in the UK. I don't know. In the USA most of the "Big 3" have some foods with exotic ingredients. Rabbit, kangaroo for a while, bison, pheasant, and ostrich that I know of. Purina has grain free as does Nutro, Taste of the Wild, and Iams. Many of the lesser known brands are actually manufactured by a larger firm. I can no longer remember the relationships.
- {4 out of 8 of the dogs had taurine deficiency, the other 4 did not.}
{Vets too would likely not have been immune, being more watchful for and more likely to report cases of DCM in dogs on grain-free and/or boutique diets than those that were not. }
N of one here. My own dog was in for a check up. My vet was and is a friend and we talked training, repro (her boarded specialty), and who knows what else before she actually listened. She picked up a grade 2 heart murmur. We discussed it and the fact that he had never had a murmur before. I believe he was 7 at the time.
I was referred to the cardiologist. The finding was not DCM fortunately, but my dog was feed a good quality grain free dry kibble. I supplement with raw beef marrow bones and raw turkey necks as well as commercial biscuits, training treats and table scraps. 18 months later after a change of diet the murmur was down to a very soft grade 1 and there was no progression of the mitral valve defect. The dog has been recleared for breeding purposes.
{The investigation is still ongoing but it is clear that it has a long way to go before any connections can be remotely confirmed. }
Here is my original statement on the subject thread.
One thing to add. Grain free is thought to be a possible cause of DCM.
OK, now that I've spent waaaay too much time doing this I'll list my credentials so you'll know I'm not totally full of poop. Associate in Applied Sciences, Veterinary Technology, graduated Suma Cum Lauda, Blue Ridge Veterinary College, Weyers Cave, Va. class of 1994. Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician, Laboratory Animal Technician, BFA Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA. Licensed by the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Health Professions to Practice as a Veterinary Technician, former proofreader for K. Nicholson, DVM, Ph.D.
