Taurine and carnitine-responsive DCM in cocker spaniels

American cocker spaniels with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) are often taurine deficient and responsive to taurine and carnitine supplementation.

Whereas myocardial function does not return to normal in most cocker spaniels treated with taurine and carnitine, it can improve enough to allow discontinuation of cardiovascular drug therapy (furosemide, digoxin and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors) and to maintain a normal quality of life for months to years.