Research Communications of the 27(th) ECVIM-CA Congress: Intercontinental, Saint Julian's, Malta, 14th to 16th September 2017

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 (i) in healthy MS and in MS with IH, and (ii) 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.