Taurine information needed

luvmyparker

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Been looking online for a while and not getting all the information I need. Parker's heart is beating too fast, vet said he needs more taurine. 
I am giving him a multi-vitamin twice a day that has 200mg, so its a start. I am so worried...So my questions are:

What meats have the most taurine in them?
Do I have to worry about him vomiting raw meat back up, since hes never had it?
Can you buy taurine powder somewhere, is it pricey and how much would I have to give him a day?

How much should they be getting every day? Obviously the wet food alone doesn't have enough and I don't know if the 400mg a day in the vitamin are cutting it.

Any information would be greatly appreciated. :)

 
 

mschauer

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Been looking online for a while and not getting all the information I need. Parker's heart is beating too fast, vet said he needs more taurine. 
I am giving him a multi-vitamin twice a day that has 200mg, so its a start. I am so worried...So my questions are:

What meats have the most taurine in them?
Do I have to worry about him vomiting raw meat back up, since hes never had it?
Can you buy taurine powder somewhere, is it pricey and how much would I have to give him a day?

How much should they be getting every day? Obviously the wet food alone doesn't have enough and I don't know if the 400mg a day in the vitamin are cutting it.

Any information would be greatly appreciated. :)
According to the NRC (National Research Council) publication that serves as the basis for the AAFCO recommendations, the recommended amount of taurine for a cat is 0.0099 g / kg BW (body weight). So, a 10 lbs (4.5 kg) cat would need 44.5 mg taurine a day. But, the publication says the amount needed depends greatly on the diet composition. You don't need to worry about giving too much taurine because any excess is just excreted in the feces so giving more, even several times more, than 44 mg a day won't cause a problem and is probably a good thing to do.

My cats never had the "throwing up" problem when transitioning to raw food. Depends on the cat I guess.

I buy taurine in powder form. In the US, any health supplement store would have it in the amino acid section. This is what I use:


1/8 of a teaspoon contains 500 mg taurine so it lasts me a long time!

The following contains much information on the taurine content of foods:

http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/vmb/aal/pdfs/spitze.pdf
 

mschauer

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How did your vet come to the conclusion that Parker's rapid heartbeat was because of taurine deficiency? I would assume that any commercial cat food you can buy in Canada would have an adequate amount of taurine.
 
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luvmyparker

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I have no idea...she just checked his heart with the stethoscope and said "his heart rate is elevated. This is due to a lack of taurine". Is this not enough to go by? Could it have been beating fast just because he was nervous of being at the vet? (He was also looking out the window at pigeons when she checked, if that may increase it.)
As great as she is, she forgot to send his results off, so I may have to wait a few more days. Aside from he FHS fits, he is otherwise in good heath. His appetite is perfect, he's still active and going to the box fine, etc.

I just assumed she knows what she is talking about. In any case, it sounds like the vitamins I have contain more than enough taurine for him.
 

sugarcatmom

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I have no idea...she just checked his heart with the stethoscope and said "his heart rate is elevated. This is due to a lack of taurine". Is this not enough to go by? 
No. A fast heart rate (called tachycardia) can be caused by many things but to say that it's because of a lack of taurine without doing any other testing is ridiculous. Dilated cardiomyopathy may result from a taurine deficiency but that's quite rare these days given that most commercial pet foods have adequate amounts (and if you're already supplementing taurine in a vitamin, I think the connection is highly unlikely). It might be a good idea to check further into other possible reasons for the tachycardia. Has Parker's blood pressure ever been checked? That would be a good place to start, as well as having an EKG done. The ultimate diagnostic tool is an echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart), but they are very expensive and it may not be warranted yet. How old is Parker?
 

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No. A fast heart rate (called tachycardia) can be caused by many things but to say that it's because of a lack of taurine without doing any other testing is ridiculous. Dilated cardiomyopathy may result from a taurine deficiency but that's quite rare these days given that most commercial pet foods have adequate amounts (and if you're already supplementing taurine in a vitamin, I think the connection is highly unlikely). It might be a good idea to check further into other possible reasons for the tachycardia. Has Parker's blood pressure ever been checked? That would be a good place to start, as well as having an EKG done. The ultimate diagnostic tool is an echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart), but they are very expensive and it may not be warranted yet. How old is Parker?

:yeah: If you've been feeding kibble or canned food, it is HIGHLY unlikely he's got a taurine deficiency. Our Flowerbelle had a fast heart rate, and we had her blood pressure tested. Her blood work indicates NO problems - but she did have high blood pressure and a Grade 1 heart murmur. She was put on medication to bring her blood pressure down, and that worked. The vet recommended that we have an echocardiogram done within a few months just to get a baseline measurement so we can keep track of her heart and how it's doing. But I think that was very irresponsible of your vet to suggest that without further tests - or even waiting for the results of blood work (which I assume was done?)
 

mschauer

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I have no idea...she just checked his heart with the stethoscope and said "his heart rate is elevated. This is due to a lack of taurine". 
That is bizarre! How can she come to that conclusion based solely on an elevated heart rate????
Aside from he FHS fits
What is FHS?
 
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luvmyparker

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No. A fast heart rate (called tachycardia) can be caused by many things but to say that it's because of a lack of taurine without doing any other testing is ridiculous. Dilated cardiomyopathy may result from a taurine deficiency but that's quite rare these days given that most commercial pet foods have adequate amounts (and if you're already supplementing taurine in a vitamin, I think the connection is highly unlikely). It might be a good idea to check further into other possible reasons for the tachycardia. Has Parker's blood pressure ever been checked? That would be a good place to start, as well as having an EKG done. The ultimate diagnostic tool is an echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart), but they are very expensive and it may not be warranted yet. How old is Parker?
Actually, she gave me the vitamins when I was there the other day. So I JUST started them. I am not sure if she checked his blood pressure or not when he was there. I will ask when she calls back about his other results. He is 8 now.


That is bizarre! How can she come to that conclusion based solely on an elevated heart rate????

What is FHS?
Yeah, I wasn't sure if that was right or not either. 
FHS - feline hyperesthesia syndrome. The skin on his back rolls, constant licking of the flank and tail, "phantom eating" as some call it where he licks the floor and nothing is there, darting around as if being chased, etc.
He started displaying those symptoms when he got fleas for the first time in '09. He has these fits when he is stressed out, but we've been at my parents for a while now (quiet, calm household) and his attacks are getting more frequent, so I am assuming something is wrong, which is why I took him in.
 

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Ok.... Let me make some sense of this...... Did you mention to your vet that you feed Parker raw meat? Because it sounds to me like clear anti-raw bias here.... You feed raw meat - therefore your cat lacks taurine, - therefore, there you have it - accelerated heart-beating :rolleyes:
SO many things can cause this... Just the stress of being at the vet alone can cause tachycardia....
I would not go about supplementing taurine like that - especially if the raw meat you give is cut pieces..... If it is commercial raw, it is already supplemented. If you are feeding canned and kibbles, you already have enough taurine.
If you suspect a problem, instead of Taurine, I would look for a different cause or better yet, a different vet, IMHO.

What is your kitty vomiting - how much are you giving of the raw? what meats? How are you introducing?
While vomiting does happen during introductions..... it is not the norm, and I wouldn't call normal.... not something that happens all the time. Happens, but if it is happening all the time, it is time to step back and take a look at what is not working.....
 
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luvmyparker

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Ok.... Let me make some sense of this...... Did you mention to your vet that you feed Parker raw meat? Because it sounds to me like clear anti-raw bias here.... You feed raw meat - therefore your cat lacks taurine, - therefore, there you have it - accelerated heart-beating

SO many things can cause this... Just the stress of being at the vet alone can cause tachycardia....
I would not go about supplementing taurine like that - especially if the raw meat you give is cut pieces..... If it is commercial raw, it is already supplemented. If you are feeding canned and kibbles, you already have enough taurine.
If you suspect a problem, instead of Taurine, I would look for a different cause or better yet, a different vet, IMHO.
What is your kitty vomiting - how much are you giving of the raw? what meats? How are you introducing?
While vomiting does happen during introductions..... it is not the norm, and I wouldn't call normal.... not something that happens all the time. Happens, but if it is happening all the time, it is time to step back and take a look at what is not working.....
Oh, sorry if I wasn't clear in my original post. I do not feed any raw meat at all as of yet. I was looking for some information because I wanted to add some into his diet. (She had actually recommended doing this, so she is definitely not against raw diets). I just wanted to know if I had to worry about him vomiting if I gave him some, since my sisters cat did vomit from it.
If being at the vet can cause tachycardia, then maybe that's what it was? Would I see any other signs if it was something more serious? I'm so scared right now. She didn't seem overly concerned and he appears healthy otherwise but if there is something wrong with his heart, I would like to know. I was wondering to myself if him being there was causing his heart rate and like I said, he got excited when he saw the birds outside but I tend to trust her word over my own thoughts. Maybe I should wait for the other results to come back, and if they come back clear, get her to check his blood pressure. In a bit of a financial bind right now, much like everyone else, so I am hoping to avoid expensive tests...but I guess if I have to spend months and months paying off a vet bill, I will have to do it. He's my baby...and I am getting concerned with some of the information I am getting about the heart rate thing. 
 
 

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Hun, he needs blood work. And no, no vet can say a cat is deficient in taurine just by listening to their heart. That is a big, red, flag that either you're missing a LOT of information the vet has, or you need a new vet. :heart2:
 
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luvmyparker

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He had blood work that day...I went back after and she said it all came back perfect. (She showed me it). She is just sending off for his thyroid, kidneys etc to be checked out. After confirming he doesn't have fleas or anything making him itchy, she wanted to do blood work.
 

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Well, given you've been feeding balanced and complete foods to your cat, a taurine deficiency is very unlikely. And if there is one, I'm pretty sure it would be indicative of some other problem.

It's entirely possible your cat was just stressed because of the vet visit. I think tomorrow you should just ask your vet why she thinks he's taurine deficient, if she took his blood pressure, and did she request his taurine level be checked when the blood work was sent out?

Here is information on rapid heart beat in cats: http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_rapid_heart_beat#.T0rcnNVOZAM

Here is information on taurine deficiency in cats: http://www.petwave.com/Cats/Basics/Nutrition/Taurine-Deficiency/Symptoms.aspx

Here is information on heart disease in cats: http://www.ehow.com/about_5380292_heart-disease-cats.html
 

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Oh, sorry if I wasn't clear in my original post. I do not feed any raw meat at all as of yet. I was looking for some information because I wanted to add some into his diet. (She had actually recommended doing this, so she is definitely not against raw diets). I just wanted to know if I had to worry about him vomiting if I gave him some, since my sisters cat did vomit from it.

If being at the vet can cause tachycardia, then maybe that's what it was? Would I see any other signs if it was something more serious? I'm so scared right now. She didn't seem overly concerned and he appears healthy otherwise but if there is something wrong with his heart, I would like to know. I was wondering to myself if him being there was causing his heart rate and like I said, he got excited when he saw the birds outside but I tend to trust her word over my own thoughts. Maybe I should wait for the other results to come back, and if they come back clear, get her to check his blood pressure. In a bit of a financial bind right now, much like everyone else, so I am hoping to avoid expensive tests...but I guess if I have to spend months and months paying off a vet bill, I will have to do it. He's my baby...and I am getting concerned with some of the information I am getting about the heart rate thing. 

 
I would not worry about the vomiting.... It will probably happen in the beginning with some meats.... and as he gets used to scheduled feedings (if he already eats on schedule, it is unlikely he will run into trouble).... but vomiting hasn't been an issue here. Lucky did have a problem, but it was an odd situation - she can't digest bones - this is by no means the norm.
My cats have had tachycardia from the stress of vet visit - as well as fever. This is something that happens - For sure can be the case..... But IMHO you need more information. For example: can she hear a murmur? Are the lungs clear? As Laurie said, how was the blood pressure? How fast is she talking about? Do you remember if your kitty was stressed out at the visit? Does he get stressed out during vet visits?


Hun, he needs blood work. And no, no vet can say a cat is deficient in taurine just by listening to their heart. That is a big, red, flag that either you're missing a LOT of information the vet has, or you need a new vet. :heart2:
:yeah: especially when you are feeding a completely balanced meal - that makes absolutely no sense whatsoever IMHO.

Well, given you've been feeding balanced and complete foods to your cat, a taurine deficiency is very unlikely. And if there is one, I'm pretty sure it would be indicative of some other problem.
It's entirely possible your cat was just stressed because of the vet visit. I think tomorrow you should just ask your vet why she thinks he's taurine deficient, if she took his blood pressure, and did she request his taurine level be checked when the blood work was sent out?
Here is information on rapid heart beat in cats: http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_rapid_heart_beat#.T0rcnNVOZAM
Here is information on taurine deficiency in cats: http://www.petwave.com/Cats/Basics/Nutrition/Taurine-Deficiency/Symptoms.aspx
Here is information on heart disease in cats: http://www.ehow.com/about_5380292_heart-disease-cats.html
:yeah:
If you are concerned, look into it in different ways - the cheapest way you can do this is x-rays in different angles. Then you can do an EKG or an ultrasound of the heart. The cheapest will be x--rays and will give you a pretty good idea.....
:vibes::vibes::vibes::vibes::vibes:
 
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luvmyparker

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I would not worry about the vomiting.... It will probably happen in the beginning with some meats.... and as he gets used to scheduled feedings (if he already eats on schedule, it is unlikely he will run into trouble).... but vomiting hasn't been an issue here. Lucky did have a problem, but it was an odd situation - she can't digest bones - this is by no means the norm.
My cats have had tachycardia from the stress of vet visit - as well as fever. This is something that happens - For sure can be the case..... But IMHO you need more information. For example: can she hear a murmur? Are the lungs clear? As Laurie said, how was the blood pressure? How fast is she talking about? Do you remember if your kitty was stressed out at the visit? Does he get stressed out during vet visits?
 
She never mentioned anything about a murmur or any breathing issues. I am not sure if she checked his blood pressure or not as I had left him there for about 2 hours alone. It was when I went to get him that she checked his heart. He doesn't totally freak out when going to the vet, if that's what you mean...but he was obviously tense as he didn't want to come out of the carrier. I guess I will have to contact her and see just how fast his heart was and if she checked his bp. Like I said, she didn't seem overly concerned, so I didn't know if I should be.
 

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That's good she wasn't overly concerned. But I'd want more information about why she suspects a taurine deficiency, especially as you've been feeding complete/balanced foods, which are supplemented with taurine. If it's only because of his elevated heart rate, then I'd want to explore that and find out his taurine levels.
 

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Been looking online for a while and not getting all the information I need. Parker's heart is beating too fast, vet said he needs more taurine. 

I am giving him a multi-vitamin twice a day that has 200mg, so its a start. I am so worried...So my questions are:


What meats have the most taurine in them?

Do I have to worry about him vomiting raw meat back up, since hes never had it?

Can you buy taurine powder somewhere, is it pricey and how much would I have to give him a day?
How much should they be getting every day? Obviously the wet food alone doesn't have enough and I don't know if the 400mg a day in the vitamin are cutting it.


Any information would be greatly appreciated. :)


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