Last week, the FDA provided an update to its ongoing investigation into reports of canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs eating certain types of pet food. As part of this update, the FDA shared a compilation of adverse event reports of DCM submitted to the agency through April 30, 2019, an updated case count, and new testing results.

For the first time ever, the agency also posted a list of the pet food brands most frequently identified in these adverse event reports. It is important to note that the FDA does not yet know how certain diets may be associated with DCM in some dogs. However, the FDA is first and foremost a public health agency and has an obligation to be transparent with the pet-owning public regarding the frequency with which certain brands have been reported.

Below are links to two June 27, 2019 news releases providing updated information on the FDA’s findings on DCM:

• FDA Issues Third Status Report on Investigation into Potential Connection Between Certain Diets and Cases of Canine Heart Disease

• FDA Investigation into Potential Link Between Certain Diets and Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy

The FDA continues to work with board certified veterinary cardiologists and veterinary nutritionists to better understand the clinical presentation of the affected dogs. The agency has also been in contact with pet food manufacturers to discuss these reports and to help further the investigation.

The FDA encourages pet owners and veterinary professionals to report cases of DCM in dogs suspected of having a link to diet by using the electronic Safety Reporting Portal or calling their state’s FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinators.