VN April 2021

Vetnuus | April 2021 14 For example, a study has shown golden retrievers with taurine deficiency and DCM to have slow and steady improvement over a 6- to 12-month period after diet was changed and taurine supplementation was initiated. Of the 11 dogswithCHF in this study, 9 had resolutionof congestion, and 5 were tapered off diuretics completely. 5 CHF = congestive heart failure, DCM = dilated cardiomyopathy, LV = left ventricular References available on request. v Suggested reading: • Clinical Nutrition Service at Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University. http://vetnutrition.tufts.edu/petfoodology • World Small Animal Veterinary Association. WSAVA global nutrition guidelines. WSAVA website https://www.wsava.org/WSAVA/media/Documents/ Guidelines/WSAVA-Global-Nutritional-Assessment- Guidelines-2011-final.pdf. TAKE-HOME MESSAGES • A detailed dietary history should be obtained in all patients suspected of having DCM. Diet changes should be recommended if the patient is being fed a diet of concern for diet- associated DCM. 9,12-14 • Evaluating plasma and whole blood taurine levels, as well as initiating taurine supplementation, should be considered. Taurine should be supplemented until levels are normal and in cases in which the owner declines to submit taurine levels due to financial constraints. • If a patient is being fed a diet of concern and is experiencing cardiac clinical signs (e.g., dyspnoea, tachypnoea, coughing, exercise intolerance, syncope), a full cardiac diagnostic investigation, including echocardiography, is recommended to evaluate for possible diet- associated DCM. When recommending a pet insurer to your clients, you’ll want to be sure it offers quality, affordability and simplicity. OUTsurance Pet is designed to cater for all pet parents, through three unique plans and some innovative optional extras. Depending on their selection, they can enjoy cover for accidents, illness, vet visits, routine care, behavioural treatment, chronic medication, rehabilitation and more. Best of all, claiming is as simple as sending a copy of a paid invoice to OUTsurance. Click here t o find out more or email vetqueries@out.co.za OUTsurance is a licensed insurer and FSP. Ts, Cs and limits apply. Introducing OUTsurance Pet Article