Taurine and the development of dilated cardiomyopathy in Irish wolfhound dogs significantly between the groups with severe taurine deficiency, moderate taurine deficiency, and normal WBT (p=0.231).
This study assessed the level of whole blood taurine in Irish wolfhounds with or without dilated cardiomyopathy.
However, of the 46 (out of 66) dogs initially without DCM for which long-term follow-up was available, none of the 22 dogs with normal WBT developed DCM, and the proportion of dogs that developed DCM or atrial fibrillation (AF) was significantly higher in the marginal to severely deficient WBT cohorts all together compared with the cohort with normal WBT (p < 0.001).
The Irish wolfhound (IW) is known for its high prevalence of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), but the association between whole blood taurine (WBT) deficiency and myocardial disease has been uncertain in this breed. The aim of this study was thus to determine the prevalence of WBT deficiency in IW with and without DCM. One hundred and fifteen IW dogs were examined on a single occasion in cardiology specialty clinics in Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands between 2001 and 2003. Additionally, a long-term follow-up was available or a large number of the dogs that were initially healthy, to determine which of them later developed DCM.
Royal Canin innovation rewarded in Washington!
innovation, responsibility and exceptional effort and help us share best practices across the organization. For the 2013 edition, more than 26,000 actions or projects have been submitted, and at the Finals in November the Anallergenic project has been awarded in the Innovation/Supply category! This is a great reward for the tremendous work the development team (R&D, Marketing, Purchase, Operations…) has been doing during the 10 years preceding the launch of this nutritional breakthrough in 2011. Anallergenic is still proving its great value in Dermatology: a clinical trial has been presented at the recent WINSS congress and is presented in this newsletter as well.
Royal Canin Vet Diet Anallergenic has won a Make The Difference award in the Innovation/Supply category. Make the Difference Awards take place every other year to celebrate Mars Associates who put our Five Principles into action and bring innovative thinking, fresh perspectives and personal commitment to improve our communities, environment, workplaces and business. They reward
Delphine Moniot (Scientific Support- R&D), & Gregory Casseleux (Scientific Communication- Europe)
Vollmar AC, Fox PR, Servet E, Biourge V. Determination of the prevalence of whole blood taurine in Irish wolfhound dogs with and without echocardiographic evidence of dilated cardiomyopathy. Journal of Veterinary Cardiology (2013) 15, 189-196
Royal Canin Anallergenic and its efficacy in the diagnosis and management of canine adverse food reaction: a multicentric field trial presented at WINSS congress
Dermatology
Whole blood taurine concentrations in the 115 IW dogs ranged from 88 to 288 nmol/mL (196; 163-227nmol/mL), and the median WBT concentration was not significantly different between dogs with DCM (196; 164-223 nmol/mL) and dogs without DCM (194; 163-229 nmol/ mL) (p=0.978).
Whole blood taurine concentrations measured in 115 Irish Wolfhound dogs
The dogs were classified as showing normal, marginal, moderately deficient or severely deficient WBT (see table on WBT concentrations), and the proportion of dogs with and without DCM did not differ
WBT Category
WBT concentration
Dogs with DCM (n=49)
Normal dogs (n=66)
Severely deficient
<130 nmol/mL
4 (8.2%)
4 (6.1%)
Moderately deficient
130-180 nmol/mL
12 (24.5%)
20 (30.3%)
Marginal
181-200 nmol/mL
9 (18.4%)
12 (18.2%)
Normal
>200 nmol/mL
24 (49%)
30 (45.4%)
Developed AF + DCM (n=10)
Developed AF only (n=3)
Survived without DCM nor AF (n=25)
Died for non cardiac reason (n=8)
Normal (n=22)
0
1
15
6
Marginal (n=7)
4
0
3
0
Moderately deficient (n=14)
5
2
5
2
Severely deficient (n=3)
1
0
2
0
12
10
Clinical scores progression:
Adverse food reaction (AFR) is nonseasonal, MeanaCADESI-3 score pruritic dermatitis caused by an ingested allergen. 3,5 140 The differential diagnosis with atopic dermatitis 3 120 is2,5 very challenging: AFR can be* confirmed with 100 * 2 80 certainty only *through an elimination-challenge 1,5 60 dietary trial. 1 40 Mean pruritus score
0,5
Clinical outcome during the seven-year follow-up available for 46 of the 66 dogs which had no DCM signs at time of taurine measurement
Total marginal to severely deficient (n=24)
Intro
There was no statistical correlation between taurine status and the presence of DCM based on a single whole blood taurine measurement. However, DCM appeared to manifest later predominantly in the dogs with WBT deficiency. These results suggest that taurine might play a role in the development of DCM in Irish wolfhound dogs, but that other factors may also be involved. Further studies are required to investigate the respective role of taurine, atrial fibrillation, genetics and other factors in this pathology.
At inclusion, among the 115 IW dogs, 49 (42.6%) had DCM and 66 (57.4%) had no echocardiographic evidence of heart disease. Dogs with DCM were significantly older (median; interquartile range: 5.3; 4.3-6.2yrs) and heavier (67.8; 64-74kg) than dogs without DCM (3; 2-4yrs, p<0.001, and 61.5; 55-72kg, p=0.023). Of the 49 dogs with DCM, 42 (85.7%) had no clinical signs.
WBT category upon initial taurine measurement
#11 - March 2014
2
Study design: Elimination: ANALLERGENIC, 8 wks
D0
Challenge: fomer diet, up to 2 wks
D56
Elimination/management: ANALLERGENIC, 8 wks
D70
D126
20
Royal Canin’s feather diet0Anallergenic D0 highly hydrolysed D56 D70 protein-based D126 was evaluated in a multicentric field trial carried out on 12 adult dogs *significant difference (p<0.05) between D0 and D56 or D70 and D126 respectively with suspected AFR. The dogs were fed exclusively with the test diet over 8 weeks, according to the «gold standard» recommended by dermatology specialists. Following this period, they all went through a dietary challenge with their former diet, and in case of relapse, they were returned to the test diet for two more months. The dermatologic signs were followed-up: severity of the lesions (CADESI-3 score) and pruritus score were recorded by board-certified dermatologists, at enrolment, day 56, 70 and 126. Both the pruritus scores (median [range]: D0: 3 [2-4] to D56: 2 [04]; p=0.0264 and D70: 4 [1-4] to D126: 2 [1-4]; p=0.026) and the CADESI-3 score (D0: 142 [99-200] to D56: 78 [36-128]; p=0.0177) were significantly reduced throughout the trial while the usual diet was eliminated and replaced by Anallergenic. a b 0
© ROYAL CANIN SAS 2014. All Rights Reserved - Credits: F. Duhayer, Fotolia.
Cardiology
Plasma phosphate concentration (mg/dl)
**
**
8 Mougeot I. , Weese H., Sauve F. , Valentine B. , Feugier A. , Biourge V. Clinical efficacy of a highly hydrolyzed poultry feather protein-based diet for canine AFR diagnosis and dietary management: a 12 case pilot study. 10000 Poster presented at WINSS 2013; October 1-4, Portland, Oregon (USA) 6
2
Mean pruritus score
Mean CADESI-3 score
3,5
140
3
120
2,5
100
2 1,5
Plasma FGF-23 concentration (pg/ml)
These results suggest that a highly hydrolysed feather protein10 based diet is effective in diagnosing100000 and managing canine AFR.
4
Clinical scores progression:
c
0
8
D56
*
D70
D126
2
0
*significant difference (p<0.05) between D0 and D56 or D70 and D126 respectively 10000
4
40 20
100000
D0
*
6
1000
60
Plasma FGF-23 concentration (pg/ml)
0,5
*
80
d
Plasma 1 phosphate concentration (mg/dl) 10
*
*
*
1000
Renal
FGF-23: a potential discerning marker for feline chronic kidney disease?
This retrospective longitudinal study assessed the effect of feeding Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Renal Feline1 or a control diet to 44 cats with stable azotemic chronic kidney disease (CKD) and normoor hyperphosphatemia. In cats with CKD, after substantial loss of functioning nephron mass, the reduction in phosphate excretion results in hyperphosphatemia and secondary hyperparathyroidism, although the stage of CKD whenClinical hypothyroïdisme occurs is variable. scores progression: Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) is a phosphaturic hormone which secreted andscore which Mean is pruritus score in response to hyperphosphatemia, Mean CADESI-3 plasma concentration has been shown to be predictive of CKD progression in humans, and to have a dose-dependent relationship 3,5 140 with3 phosphate intake in a rodent CKD model. However, 120 the relationship between plasma FGF-23 concentration and 100 dietary 2,5 * phosphate intake had not been previously explored in the cat. This * 2 80 * was the aim of this study, which assessed the effect of dietary 1,5 60 phosphate restriction with Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Renal Feline1 1 40 in cats with stable azotemic CKD. 0,5
20
0 Records from retrospectively reviewed D0 2 first opinion D56 practicesDwere D126 70 in order to screen cats over 9 years of age with confirmed azotemia. *significant difference (p<0.05)had between D0 andsample D56 or D70taken and D126and respectively Thirty-three cats which a blood stored within 7 days before starting Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Renal Feline1 (baseline, usually the day of confirmation of azotemia), and between 28 and 56 days later (post treatment) while eating the renal diet, were included in the Renal Diet group (RD). Those 33 cats were classified as hyper- (HP, n=15) or normophosphatemic (NP, n=18) based on 0
IRIS targets (http://www.iris-kidney.com). A further 11 cats which were fed a maintenance diet for 28–56 days after diagnosis of renal azotemia (while awaiting for the owner to return for confirmation of azotemia) were included in the comparator group.
After a period of 28–56 days, neither the RD nor the comparator group had a significant change in plasma creatinine concentration. Plasma phosphate, PTH and FGF-23 concentrations all significantly decreased in the RD group (p < 0.001, p = 0.005 and p < 0.001 respectively), whereas no significant change was seen in the comparator group. In the RD group, plasma phosphate and PTH Study design: concentrations decreased significantly in the HP group (p=0.001 and p=0.007 respectively) but did not show any significant change Challenge: Elimination/management: in the NP group, Elimination: whereas plasma FGF-23 concentration decreased ANALLERGENIC, 8 wks diet, up to 2 wks 8 wks significantly in both the HP and fomer NP groups (p=0.008ANALLERGENIC, and p=0.006 respectively). D0
D56
D70
Feeding a renal diet is associated with a reduction in plasma FGF-23 concentration in cats with stable CKD, whether they are hyper- or normophosphatemic, suggesting that dietary phosphate restriction impacts phosphate homeostasis even in the absence of plasma phosphate concentration change. FGF-23 is therefore a new and interesting marker to assess the role and adequacy of phosphate restriction in cats with CKD. Geddes RF, Elliott J, and Syme HM. The Effect of Feeding a Renal Diet on Plasma Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 Concentrations in Cats with Stable Azotemic Chronic Kidney Disease . J Vet Intern Med 2013, Sep 6 (ahead of print) The Renal Diets assessed were indifferently Feline Veterinary Diet Renal dry, Feline Veterinary Diet Renal wet Tuna in pouch, and Feline Veterinary Diet Renal Special dry, depending on each individual cat’s preference The cats were classified as hyperphosphatemic or normophosphatemic in the Renal Diet group only
2
a
10
Plasma FGF-23 concentration (pg/ml) 100000
**
8
c
b
Plasma phosphate concentration (mg/dl)
10
**
100000
*
8
10000
10000
6
*
6
4
4
1000
2
1000
2 100
0
Plasma FGF-23 concentration (pg/ml)
*
B
D28-56
RD Group
* p < 0.01 * * p < 0.001
B
D28-56
Comparator Group
0
100
B D28-56 RD Group
B D28-56 Comparator Group
0
B D28-56 HP Group
B D28-56 NP Group
0
B D28-56 HP Group
In both dogs and humans, adipose tissue deposition around the rib cage and abdomen in obese individuals decreases functional residual capacity (FRC). Anaesthesia can be of particular concern in those individuals since it reduces FRC further, causing an additional decrease in arterial oxygen partial pressure (PaO2).
D126
Nine dogs referred for obesity management to the Royal Canin Weight Management Clinic in Liverpool were enrolled in the study. DEXA scan (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) for morphometric measurements and body composition assessment before and after weight loss was part of the monitoring in this formalised weight loss program. The standard protocol of DEXA scan requires deep sedation in dorsal recumbency; blood gas analysis and oxygenation indices were performed concomitantly to this procedure, taking the opportunity to assess the effect of obesity and weight loss on oxygenation and ventilation during deep sedation. Most of the morphometric measurements were improved after weight loss (in particular, both the lung area (p = 0.02), and the ratio of lung area to thoracic area (p = 0.008) were increased). Regarding oxygenation indices, both Pa/AO2 (ratio of arterial to alveolar oxygen partial pressure) and PaO2/FiO2 (ratio of arterial to inspired oxygen partial pressure) were increased after weight loss (p = 0.022 and p = 0.016, respectively), and PaO2/FiO2 was found to be negatively associated with thoracic fat (p=0,018). In contrast, both ventilation indices f-shunt (ratio of arterio-alveolar ΔPaO2 to veino-arterial ΔPaO2, which is supposed to be an indicator of ventilation/perfusion mismatch) and PaCO2 (arterial carbon dioxide partial pressure) did not show any significant change. Oxygenation is decreased in obese dogs during deep sedation. Oxygenation status improves with successful weight loss, but ventilation is not influenced by obesity.
d
Plasma phosphate concentration (mg/dl)
Weight loss benefits for anaesthesia
This prospective study examined the effect of obesity and subsequent weight loss on oxygenation and ventilation during deep sedation in 9 dogs.
At baseline for the entire population, FGF-23 was positively correlated with plasma creatinine (rs = 0.554, p < 0.001), phosphate (rs = 0.379, p = 0.011), and PTH concentrations (rs = 0.484, p = 0.001).
1
Plasma phosphate (a,c) and FGF-23 (b,d) concentrations in the RD and comparator groups (a,b), and in the HP and NP subgroups (c,d), at baseline (B) and after the 28-56 day-period (D28-56)
Obesity
B D28-56 NP Group
Mosing M, German AJ, Holden SL, MacFarlane P, Biourge B, Morris PJ, Iff I. Oxygenation and ventilation characteristics in obese sedated dogs before and after weight loss: A clinical trial. The Veterinary Journal 198 (2013) 367–371
Data from morphometric measurements before and after weight loss using DEXA scan Measurement
Pre-weight loss
Postweight loss
P
Neck width
25 ± 8.8
18 ± 3.7
0.004
Thoracic area
818 ± 82.1
789 ± 60.9
0.359
Lung area
328 ± 47.1
377 ± 64.1
0.020
Thoracic wall width
9 ± 1.2
6 ± 1.5
0.004
Hip to cuppola
56 ± 3.6
53 ± 2.3
0.039
Lung/thoracic area
0.40 ± 0.044
0.48 ± 0.055
0.008
(All measurements are in arbitrary units)
Blood gas analysis data before and after weight loss Measurement
Pre-weight loss
Postweight loss
P
PaO2 (kPa)
27.9 ± 19.2
34.8 ± 24.4
0.678
PaCO2 (kPa)
6.6 ± 1.5
6.4 ± 1.3
0.707
FiO2
0.74 ± 0.31
0.66 ± 0.35
0.665
PaO2 / FiO2
276 ± 105.2
381 ± 125.0
0.016
Pa /AO2
0.46 ± 0.174
0.65 ± 186
0.022
f-Shunt
0.24 ± 0.08
0.13 ± 0.08
0.203