Investigation of Hypertriglyceridemia in Healthy Miniature Schnauzers

Abstract

Background: Idiopathic hypertriglyceridemia has been reported in Miniature Schnauzers (MS). However, studies investigating the prevalence of this disorder in a large population of MS are lacking.Hypothesis: Hypertriglyceridemia is prevalent in healthy MS. Animals: This study used 192 healthy MS and 38 healthy dogs of other breeds (control dogs). Methods: Serum triglyceride and cholesterol concentrations were measured and statistically compared in both the MS and control group. Dogs were categorized based on their age, and median serum triglyceride concentrations were compared among different age groups.Results: A total of 63 (32.8%) of the 192 MS had serum triglyceride concentrations above the reference range. In contrast, of the 38 control dogs, only 2 (5.3%) had serum triglyceride concentrations above the reference range. The median serum triglyceride concentration in MS was 73.5 mg/dL, which was significantly higher as compared to that of the control group (median, 55 mg/dL; P 5 .0005). Serum cholesterol concentration was above the reference range in 9 (9.0%) of 100 MS and in 2 (5.3%) of the control dogs. Mean serum cholesterol concentrations were not significantly different between the 2 groups (P 5 .1374). Median serum triglyceride concentrations in MS increased significantly with age (P , .0001), and there was a significant positive correlation between serum triglyceride concentrations and age (Spearman r 5 0.47; P , .0001). There was no difference in serum triglyceride concentrations between male and female MS (P 5 .48).Conclusion: Healthy MS have a high prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia as compared to healthy dogs of other breeds. Both the prevalence and severity of hypertriglyceridemia increase with age.

Serum liver enzyme activities in healthy Miniature Schnauzers with and without hypertriglyceridemia

“…It is of interest that when serum cholesterol concentrations, which have been reported to be high in 90% of all dogs with hyperadrenocorticism, 26 were measured in the 40 Miniature Schnauzers in the present study with hypertriglyceridemia, only 9 (23%) were found to have high serum cholesterol concentrations. 4 Thus, it seems unlikely that underlying hyperadrenocorticism played a role in the high serum ALP activities among Miniature Schnauzers with hypertriglyceridemia in the present study. In addition, dogs were not receiving any medications known to affect serum liver enzyme activities.…”

“…P ersistent hypertriglyceridemia is reportedly common in healthy Miniature Schnauzers in the United States, [1][2][3][4] with hypertriglyceridemia identified in 63 of 192 (32.8%) healthy Miniature Schnauzers in 1 study. 4 Hypertriglyceridemia in Miniature Schnauzers is characterized by an abnormal accumulation of VLDL or a combination of VLDL and chylomicrons, with or without hypercholesterolemia.…”

“…4 Hypertriglyceridemia in Miniature Schnauzers is characterized by an abnormal accumulation of VLDL or a combination of VLDL and chylomicrons, with or without hypercholesterolemia. 2,3 The cause of this condition remains unclear, but possible mechanisms include increased production or decreased clearance of VLDL and chylomicrons.…”

Evaluation of gallbladder motility assessed by ultrasonography in dogs with hyperlipidemia

“…Hyperlipidemic dogs, and more specifically in the hypertriglyceridemia group had a significantly increased ALP which could be related to an underlying endocrinopathy, or because of primary hypertriglyceridemia as seen in previous studies. 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 Hypertriglyceridemia has been associated with hepatocellular accumulation of triglycerides and glycogen leading to intrahepatic cholestasis and is likely of little clinical consequence. Intrahepatic cholestasis may be the underlying reason for the significant difference seen in cholestatic enzymes between hyperlipidemic and control dogs.…”

Animal Models as Tools for Translational Research: Focus on Atherosclerosis, Metabolic Syndrome and Type-II Diabetes Mellitus

“…Dogs do not naturally show atherosclerosis and cholesterol-and SF-rich diets combined with thyroid suppression is required for atherosclerosis development [126]. Beagles and miniature Schnauzer dogs show useful similarities with human in cholesterol synthesis, and lipoproteins level [127,128]. Feline DM, in both spontaneous and inducible forms, therefore provides a reliable animal model of human T2D and may provide additional insights into the clinical, physiological, and pathological features of this disease (see review [129]).…”