Prognosis

If a taurine deficiency is involved:

• Without taurine supplement, the vast majority of cases die within 2 months with aggressive therapy for congestive heart failure
• With taurine supplementation, if cardiac function can be sustained for 4 to 6 weeks, the prognosis for complete recovery would appear to be excellent

If a taurine deficiency is not involved (which is most likely the case)

• Cats with 4 chamber dilation and diffuse hypokinesis have an abysmal prognosis. Expect death in 2 weeks in spite of therapy.