UPDATE:
A recent continuing meeting with Dr. Green from Purdue Vet school relayed some current thinking on this issue.
Certain breeds are over-represented, Golden Retrievers are most represented.
Grain free foods are implicated, some brands more than others (sorry I don't have the list).
Taurine supplementation can stop many but not all cases, so they suspect that there is something more than just taurine deficiency going on.
THE MOST IMPORTANT FACT: Damage done is NOT reversible when diagnosis is made and treatment is started (taurine and heart medications). Progression of the cardiomyopathy is usually stopped but not reversed.
I think the message is clear. DO NOT FEED GRAIN FREE FOOD TO GOLDENS. In other breeds, it's a poor choice.
Doug, DVM
