Losing a beloved pet is a devastating experience. For Laura Filmore, the grief was compounded by a terrifying pattern: first her Old English Sheepdog, Bella, died of congestive heart failure (CHF) in April 2018, and then her other sheepdog, Charlie, was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) just seven months later. This heartbreaking coincidence, with two dogs from different litters in the same household succumbing to serious heart conditions, led Laura to question the dog food she was feeding them.
The Diet Connection: Zignature and Suspicions
Laura began feeding her dogs Zignature brand kibble in 2015. She initially used the salmon and trout formula, but switched to the kangaroo formula in March 2016. It wasn’t until August 2017 that Bella began showing concerning symptoms, including gagging and heavy panting, which Laura initially attributed to eating too quickly. To address this, she purchased slow feeder bowls for both dogs, a common practice for larger breeds prone to bloat.
From Subtle Signs to ER Visits: Bella’s Decline
The situation escalated in September 2017 when Bella’s labored breathing necessitated an emergency room visit. She was diagnosed with congestive heart failure (CHF) and began a regimen of heart medications, including Vetmedin and Enalapril. Despite these interventions, and unaware of the potential link between certain diets and DCM, both dogs continued to consume Zignature kangaroo food. While Bella initially seemed to improve, her daily walks grew shorter, and the gagging worsened, creating a constant worry for Laura. She adjusted their routine, opting for brief walks to minimize Bella’s exertion, cherishing their remaining time together.
A Devastating Loss and a Troubling Diagnosis
On April 5, 2018, during a short walk with Charlie, Laura returned home to find Bella had passed away peacefully on her bed. The loss was profound, leaving Laura with feelings of guilt for not being able to provide Bella with the full, healthy life she deserved.
Just seven months later, in October 2018, Charlie was diagnosed with a mast cell tumor. While considering treatment options for the nearly 11-year-old dog, Laura opted for a holistic approach. During Charlie’s examination with the holistic veterinarian, a more alarming discovery was made: a serious heart problem requiring a cardiologist’s attention.
History Repeats: Charlie’s DCM Diagnosis
A visit to a veterinary cardiologist on November 2 confirmed Laura’s worst fears: Charlie was diagnosed with DCM. The diagnosis was particularly shocking as Charlie, unlike Bella, showed no outward symptoms. This lack of visible signs, Laura believes, underscores the importance of regular cardiac check-ups for dogs on what are sometimes referred to as “BEG” (Boutique, Exotic ingredient, Grain-free) diets. Like Bella, Charlie was immediately started on Vetmedin and Enalapril, along with taurine supplements.
A Glimmer of Hope and a New Diet
Fortunately, there was hopeful news. By February 2019, Charlie’s follow-up echocardiogram revealed improvement in the left chamber of his heart. Charlie had been consuming Zignature for a significant portion of his life, and Laura had believed the claims that grain-free diets were beneficial for dogs with sensitive stomachs. The introduction of exotic proteins, like kangaroo, seemed like a safe option. However, following his DCM diagnosis, Laura transitioned Charlie to Fromm duck and potato. After further research into potential DCM links with Fromm, she ultimately switched to Royal Canin Gastrointestinal, on which Charlie has thrived.
Warning Others: The Financial and Emotional Toll of DCM
Laura has found a supportive community in the Facebook group Taurine-Deficient (Nutritional) Dilated Cardiomyopathy, and she actively warns other pet owners about diet-related DCM. The disease carries a significant financial burden, with medications like Vetmedin costing around $160 per bottle and Enalapril adding another $40 monthly, in addition to taurine supplements.
A Fighter’s Spirit and a Plea for Awareness
Laura deeply loves her Old English Sheepdogs, describing them as “Velcro” dogs, especially Charlie, who is now her sole canine companion. She is immensely grateful that Charlie is still with her, fighting his health battle. Bella, she laments, deserved a longer, healthier life. Laura remains heartbroken over Bella’s loss and holds onto the hope that Charlie’s heart will fully recover. She shares her story in the hope of raising awareness and offers her prayers to all owners and dogs facing similar struggles, with Charlie serving as a beacon of hope.
