Idiopathic hyperlipidemia (IH) is a common condition in Miniature Schnauzers (MS), with more than 75% of dogs =9 years old being affected and >45% of these dogs having moderate to severe fasting hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) with or without combined hypercholesterolemia (HCHOL). Severe HTG poses an increased risk for the development of several conditions (e.g., pancreatitis, insulin resistance). Recent studies in humans suggest IH to be associated with low-grade inflammation involved in the pathogenesis of diseases associated with IH. The risk of such complications decreases with medical control of IH. Given that biomarkers of inflammation have not been investigated in MS with IH, the aims of the study were to evaluate serum calprotectin and S100A12 concentrations (1) in healthy MS and in MS with IH, and (2) in MS with IH in response to dietary intervention for the management of IH.

Serum samples were collected from 152 clinically healthy MS, and a study questionnaire was completed for each dog to confirm the health status and medication history. Serum triglyceride, cholesterol, calprotectin, and S100A12 concentrations were measured in all samples. Paired serum samples were obtained from 17 of the IH dogs after being placed on a commercial ultra-low fat diet without any additional lipid-lowering medications. Statistical analyses were performed using non-parametric (paired or unpaired) group comparisons and Fisher's exact or likelihood ratio tests, with statistical significance set at p<0.05.

A total of 34%, 5%, and 11% of dogs had isolated HTG, hypercholesterolemia (HCHOL), and combined hyperlipidemia, respectively. Compared to MS without IH, both HTG and HCHOL were associated with increased serum calprotectin (p=0.0007, odds ratio [OR]=4.2 and p=0.0051, OR=4.1, respectively) but not S100A12 concentrations (both p>0.05). There was no significant difference in serum calprotectin or S100A12 concentrations among MS with isolated HTG, HCHOL, or combined hyperlipidemia. Presence and severity of HTG decreased in MS with IH within 14–26 weeks after being placed on an ultra-low fat diet (p=0.0052 and p=0.0032). Dietary intervention also yielded a significant decrease in serum cholesterol (p=0.0356) but neither serum calprotectin nor S100A12 concentrations changed significantly during that time (both p>0.05).

These results suggest that subclinical inflammation is present in MS with HTG due to IH and that an ultra-low fat diet does not reduce the concentrations of the inflammatory S100 proteins in MS with HTG. Whether this presumable inflammatory phenotype in MS with IH contributes to the development of pancreatitis, insulin resistance, or other conditions warrants further research.

Disclosures

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