Episode Description
When the FDA sounded the alarm in 2018, claiming a potential link between certain dog diets and a rise in canine cases of dilated cardiomyopathy, panic spread among pet owners and the industry alike. But was this warning based on solid evidence, or was the issue blown out of proportion? Join us as we examine the data that challenges the FDA's early conclusions and hear from leading experts, including veterinary cardiologist, Dr. Justin Thomason, who has worked tirelessly to uncover the truth. This episode offers a critical look at how the facts don’t always align with the headlines, and why collaboration and data are key to understanding complex health issues like DCM.
Helpful Links
DCM Incidence Study (Full Text): https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fanim.2022.846227/full
Board-Invited Literature Review Episode — Pawing Through the Research: Uncovering the Fatal Flaws of DCM
Study Design — Think Twice: Even Bad Science Can Get Published!
The Impact of DCM on Pulse Farmers — Fellowship of Iron and Earth: From Farm to Bowl with Tim McGreevy
Show Notes
00:00 – Introduction
03:20 – Conducting Research During a Pandemic
07:47 – Bringing on Board-Certified Veterinary Cardiologists
09:01 – Introducing Dr. Justin Thomason
12:26 – Understanding the FDA’s Initial DCM Announcement
14:22 – BSM Partners Steps in to Lead DCM Research
15:47 – Calling All Veterinary Cardiologists: We Want Your Data!
17:32 – The Problem with Most Veterinary Medical Record-Keeping
20:12 – Vets Jumping to Conclusions?
25:13 – Are Pets Protected Under HIPAA?
27:14 – The Critical Importance of Diet History
29:30 – Piecing the Puzzle Together
30:52 – Key Takeaways from BSM Partners Incidence Study
32:43 – The Availability Heuristic
33:57 – Digger Deeper into Breed and Age
36:23 – Best Practices for Diagnosing Canine DCM
42:13 – What Made Grain-Free Diets So Popular?
44:39 – The Widespread Impact, From Pulse Farmers to Pet Food Companies
46:28 – The Power of Collaboration
49:16 – What’s Up with Mixed-Breed Dogs?
50:09 – Don’t Go Looking for Zebras
52:13 – Good Record-Keeping for the Future
52:45 – Dr. Quest’s Key Takeaway from the Episode
53:54 – Conclusion and Farewell