Ultracentrifugal and Electrophoretic Characteristics of the Plasma Lipoproteins of Miniature Schnauzer Dogs With Idiopathic Hyperlipoproteinemia

Abstract

To better characterize the idiopathic hyperlipoproteinemia of Miniature Schnauzer dogs, the plasma lipoproteins of 20 Miniature Schnauzers (MS) and 11 dogs of other breeds (DOB) were evaluated by ultracentrifugation, electrophoresis, and biochemical tests. Seventeen M S were healthy; 3 had diabetes mellitus. Plasma from 6 of 17 healthy and all 3 diabetic M S was visibly lipemic. Lipemia was slight to marked in healthy lipemic MS, and marked in diabetic ones. All DOB had clear plasma; 8 were healthy and 3 had diabetes. All healthy lipemic MS and diabetic lipemic M S had hypertriglyceridemia associated with excess very low density lipoproteins. Chylomicronemia was present in 4 of 6 healthy lipemic M S and all 3 diabetic lipemic MS. Lipoproteins with ultracentrifugal and electrophoretic characteristics of normal low density lipoprotein were lacking in 4 of 6 healthy lipemic MS. The lipoprotein patterns of 4 of 11 healthy nonlipemic M S were characterized by mild hypertriglyceridemia associated with increased very low density lipoproteins and a lack of lipoproteins with characteristics of normal low density lipoproteins. Lipoprotein patterns of diabetic DOB closely resembled those of healthy DOB those of diabetic lipemic M S resembled those of markedly lipemic healthy lipemic MS. In conclusion, the hyperlipoproteinemia of Miniature Schnauzers is characterized by increased very low density lipoproteins with or without accompanying chylomicronemia; some affected dogs may have decreased low There is evidence that primary hyperlipoproteinemias occur in dogs, but these disorders have not been well characterized, and their etiologies have not been established."6 In one report, primary hyperlipoproteinemia was believed to be the cause of the persistent fasting lipemia of five Miniature Schnauzers. Serum from these dogs formed cream layers on refrigeration, indicating the presence of chylomicrons. Triglyceride concentrations were moderately to markedly increased, and cholesterol concentrations were moderately increased. Lipoprotein electrophoresis showed lipoproteins that stayed at the origin (expected behavior of chylomicrons), and greater amounts of beta and alpha-2 migrating lipoproteins than were seen in healthy dogs.5Several hereditary disorders that cause fasting hypertriglyceridemia occur in people, and many of these are characterized by chylomicronemia. The hyperlipoproteinemias that involve chylomicronemia are often associated with abdominal pain and/or pancreatitis, and dia- 253

Hypercholesterolemia in Shetland Sheepdogs.

“…However, since not all Shetland sheepdogs we examined were cholesterolemic, the abnormality in cholesterol metabolism may be a property of a certain pedigree of the breed found in Japan. Canine primary hypercholesterolemia has been reported in Miniature Schnauzer [18] and in Briards in the United Kingdom [17]. Marked hypertriglycemia is evident in Miniature Schnauzer [18], suggesting that different disorders are suspected in this breed although a few Shetland sheepdogs exhibited similar hypertriglycemia.…”

“…Canine primary hypercholesterolemia has been reported in Miniature Schnauzer [18] and in Briards in the United Kingdom [17]. Marked hypertriglycemia is evident in Miniature Schnauzer [18], suggesting that different disorders are suspected in this breed although a few Shetland sheepdogs exhibited similar hypertriglycemia. On the other hand, hypercholesterolemic Briards exhibited elevation of α 2 -migrating HDL 1 , presumably HDL C [17].…”

“…In dogs, hypercholesterolemia is often found as a secondary consequence following primary disorders such as hypothyroidism, hepatic disorders, and nephrotic syndrome [15]. Primary hyperlipidemia i ncluding hypercholesterolemia have been reported in some breeds such as Beagle [14], Briard [17] and Miniature Schnauzer [18] and lesions of atherosclerosis in arterial vessels were found in cholesterol-fed hyperlipidemic dogs when the plasma cholesterol is exceedingly elevated [11]. Although the cause of primary hypercholesterolemia in these dogs have not been well defined except hypothyroidism in Beagle [14], they are thought to be an excellent model to clarifying the molecular basis of hyperlipidemia and athelosclerosis.…”

Canine diabetes mellitus: can old dogs teach us new tricks?

“…The Miniature Schnauzer has a high risk of diabetes and is also predisposed to idiopathic hyperlipoproteinaemia, which is characterised by an increased plasma triglyceride concentration and excessive circulating VLDL [31]. Since hyperlipidaemia is believed to be a predisposing factor for pancreatitis, it has been proposed that dogs with idiopathic hyperlipoproteinaemia may develop diabetes as a consequence of repeated attacks of pancreatic inflammation [24].…”

Investigation of Hypertriglyceridemia in Healthy Miniature Schnauzers

“…2,[11][12][13][14] Other breeds, however, as well as mixed breed dogs, also can be affected. 2,15,16 Dogs with severe hypertriglyceridemia might be at increased risk for the development of pancreatitis, 2,11,17 seizures, 11,18 or both, although the relationship between these disorders and hypertriglyceridemia has not been proven.…”