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<strong>Nutrition</strong>al support<br />
for heart function<br />
Preventing any taurine deficiency<br />
Taurine is essential to the proper functioning of the heart. Its beneficial effects are proven in animals<br />
as well as in several clinical trials among humans (Elizarova et al, 1993; Azuma et al, 1994). A<br />
number of publications have shown the benefits of a taurine supplement in dogs when a dog does<br />
not synthesise adequate quantities of taurine or does not utilise it properly (Alroy et al, 2000;<br />
Sanderson et al, 2001; Fascetti et al, 2003). Cockers are one of the breeds in which taurine production<br />
or utilisation can sometimes be disrupted, warranting an extra intake in the food. By giving<br />
the dog a complete food rich in taurine you will ensure a good daily intake and can avoid buying<br />
expensive supplements.<br />
L-carnitine and taurine act together<br />
L-Carnitine is concentrated in the striated muscles and the heart, where it plays a key role in supplying<br />
energy to the cells. A deficiency of L-carnitine is often mentioned during DCM.<br />
Supplementation with L-carnitine provides beneficial nutritional support after one to three<br />
weeks and should be continued for life. A study on eleven Cocker Spaniels receiving taurine<br />
and L-carnitine supplements showed the importance of daily support. (Kittleson et<br />
al, 1997).<br />
Carnitine molecule<br />
In dogs,<br />
L-carnitine is made<br />
from two amino<br />
acids, lysine and<br />
methionine, but<br />
production may<br />
sometimes be<br />
inadequate.<br />
25<br />
American Cocker Spaniel - © J.-M. Labat
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