Showing papers by "Jennifer A. Larsen published in 2018"

Taurine deficiency and dilated cardiomyopathy in golden retrievers fed commercial diets.

Abstract: Introduction Golden retrievers are over-represented in cases of taurine-deficient dilated cardiomyopathy and recently a surge in cases has prompted further investigation. Objective To describe the clinical, dietary, and echocardiographic features in golden retrievers diagnosed with taurine deficiency and dilated cardiomyopathy, and to determine specific dietary associations. A second aim was to determine the whole blood taurine concentrations in a representative sample of healthy golden retrievers. Animals Twenty-four client-owned golden retrievers with documented taurine deficiency and dilated cardiomyopathy and 52 healthy client-owned golden retrievers. Methods In this multicenter prospective observational study, baseline and follow-up echocardiographic data, complete diet and medical histories, and whole blood, plasma, or serum taurine concentrations were obtained. Baseline and follow-up echocardiographic data were compared. Associations were evaluated between specific diets and taurine deficiency or congestive heart failure. The prevalence of low whole blood taurine concentrations in the healthy golden retrievers was calculated. Results Twenty-three of 24 dogs diagnosed with taurine deficiency and dilated cardiomyopathy were fed diets that were either grain-free, legume-rich, or a combination of these factors. None of these diets were feeding trial tested using Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) procedures. Twenty-three of 24 dogs had significant improvement in their echocardiographic parameters and normalization of taurine concentrations following diet change and taurine supplementation. Nine of 11 dogs diagnosed with congestive heart failure (CHF) had resolution of their congestion at follow-up with five no longer requiring diuretic therapy and four tolerating diuretic dose reduction by >50%. Conclusions Certain diets and diet characteristics were associated with the development of taurine deficiency. Taurine deficiency and dilated cardiomyopathy in golden retrievers is likely multifactorial, including a combination of dietary, metabolic, and genetic factors.

Alterations in serum amino acid concentrations in dogs with protein‐losing enteropathy

Abstract: Author(s): Kathrani, Aarti; Allenspach, Karin; Fascetti, Andrea J; Larsen, Jennifer A; Hall, Edward J | Abstract: BackgroundCertain amino acids are decreased in humans with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and supplementation with the same amino acids has shown beneficial effects in animal models of IBD. Currently, the amino acid status of dogs with protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) is unknown.Hypothesis/objectiveTo determine if serum amino acid concentrations are abnormal in dogs with PLE and correlated with clinical and laboratory variables and outcome.AnimalsThirty client-owned dogs diagnosed with PLE and 12 apparently healthy dogs seen at Bristol Veterinary School.MethodsRetrospective study using stored residual serum from fasted dogs with PLE, collected at the time of diagnostic investigation and from apparently healthy dogs. Serum was analyzed for 30 amino acids using an automated high-performance liquid chromatography amino acid analyzer.ResultsSerum tryptophan concentrations were significantly decreased in dogs with PLE (median, 22 nmol/mL; range, 1-80 nmol/mL) compared with apparently healthy control dogs (median, 77.5 nmol/mL; range, 42-135 nmol/mL, P l .001). There were no significant differences in the remaining 29 serum amino acids between dogs with PLE and apparently healthy. Serum tryptophan concentrations were also significantly correlated with serum albumin concentrations in dogs with PLE (P = .001, R2 = 0.506).Conclusions and clinical importanceDecreased serum tryptophan concentration might play a role in the pathogenesis of canine PLE or be a consequence of the disease.

Correction: Taurine deficiency and dilated cardiomyopathy in golden retrievers fed commercial diets.

Abstract: Author(s): Kaplan, Joanna L; Stern, Joshua A; Fascetti, Andrea J; Larsen, Jennifer A; Skolnik, Hannah; Peddle, Gordon D; Kienle, Richard D; Waxman, Andrew; Cocchiaro, Michael; Gunther-Harrington, Catherine T; Klose, Tyler; LaFauci, Kendra; Lefbom, Bonnie; Lamy, Maggie Machen; Malakoff, Rebecca; Nishimura, Satoko; Oldach, Maureen; Rosenthal, Steven; Stauthammer, Christopher; O'Sullivan, Lynne; Visser, Lance C; Williams, Regan; Ontiveros, Eric | Abstract: [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0209112.].

Impact of hyperlipidaemia on intermediary metabolism, faecal microbial metabolites and urinary characteristics of lipoprotein lipase deficient vs. normal cats

Abstract: Findings in humans and rats indicate that hyperlipidaemia may be associated with enhanced endogenous oxalate (Ox) synthesis, which may be relevant for calcium oxalate (CaOx) urolith formation. Moreover, changes in lipid metabolism are proposed to negatively affect gut microbiota. This study aimed to investigate those potential interactions in hyperlipidaemic cats. Therefore, 10 normal control cats and seven lipoprotein lipase (LPL)-deficient cats were fed a low-fat diet for seven weeks. During the last week of the study, cats were housed in metabolic cages to collect urine and faeces. Blood was taken on the last day of the study. The LPL-deficient cats had significantly higher serum triglyceride concentrations than normal cats, while lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity was not different. Urinary relative supersaturation with CaOx, urinary Ox, calcium, and citrate excretions, and urine pH did not differ between groups. Lower faecal acetic, propionic and total short-chain fatty acid concentrations were observed in the LPL-deficient cats. In conclusion, hyperlipidaemia does not appear to be a specific risk factor for CaOx urolith formation in cats. In contrast to results in rats, hyperlipidaemia was not accompanied by elevated serum LDH activity. As LDH can synthesise Ox from glycolate or other precursors, this might be one possible explanation for the similar urinary parameters in the LPL-deficient and normal cats. Non-diet-induced hyperlipidaemia was not associated with marked changes in faecal microbial metabolites, suggesting no differences in the composition of the intestinal microbiota.