So how does the cardiologist explain the difference in Koda's echo's if it is not the supplements he is on?
She basically has no explanation, seems a bit confused by his case. I don't know if she's ever had another client do so much research and try alternative treatments/supplements. She has suggested that maybe his heart was larger than normal because he is so athletic and gets so much exercise, and conceded that one of the supplements he's on, taurine, may be helping, but insists the others aren't. Her reasoning is "there is no proven benefit from any of them," which I can understand because I like proof too but strong evidence is good enough for me in many cases. The Doberman health group people told me those supplements work in concert together and he wouldn't get the full benefit of any one of them without the rest.
That is really great news! Sometimes it is hard for a dr to admit that they were wrong. 
I agree, and to clarify, this is NOT their primary care vet I have written and spoken of so highly in the past, who is by far the best we've ever had. That vet is supportive of alternative treatments, raw diet, minimal vaccines, leaving them intact (and has read the research showing the harm those surgeries, and excess vaccination, can cause), Koda's heart supplements, etc., has been following his echos with interest and she is also really into training and titling active working dogs, specifically hunting Retrievers, so we connect on that level too. I want a board certified cardiologist do the echos though, which is the only thing we've see her for. She always checks with the primary care vet before an echo to see whether the dog is "up to date" on shots, and she always says they are knowing I only give rabies every three years as required by law after initially vaccinating them one time for parvo and distemper as puppies.
The cardiologist always looks at me funny when I tell her I feed them raw meat and doesn't ask for any more details.
Thanks, everyone.
