2015 ACVIM Forum Research Abstract Program

This study suggests that lipoprotein profiles are altered in dogs with CE. Investigating clinical importance of lipoprotein profiling in dogs with CE is warranted. In humans, hyperhomocysteinemia is a multifactorial and incompletely understood condition. Increased serum homocysteine (HCY) concentrations have been associated with cardiovascular disease, peripheral arterial occlusive disease, and venous thrombosis. Recently, cardiovascular/thrombotic disease and hypocobalaminemia have been described in Greyhounds. It was also suggested that hyperhomocysteinemia in Greyhounds with suspected gastrointestinal disease is due to hypocobalaminemia and hypofolatemia. Both conditions have also been linked to hypoalbuminemia, which may affect HCY levels, as shown previously in dogs. However, it is unknown if low levels of both micronutrients (cobalamin and/or folate) are present only in Greyhounds with gastrointestinal disease or also in healthy Greyhounds. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate serum HCY, cobalamin, and folate concentrations in Greyhounds with diarrhea or thrombotic disease as well as in healthy Greyhounds.