INVESTIGATIONS INTO HYPERLIPIDEMIA AND ITS POSSIBLE ...

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and lipoproteins in healthy dogs of various breeds is important as a basis for further
research in dogs with hyperlipidemia of different causes and the development of
disorders as a result of hyperlipidemia. Despite the importance of lipoprotein research in
dogs, the fact that most previously used methods for lipoprotein profiling are rather
laborious and time-consuming has been a major obstacle to the wide application and use
of lipoprotein profiling in this species. To this end, a convenient, economical, and robust
method of lipoprotein profiling would be highly desirable. The aim of the present study
was to assess the feasibility of a novel density gradient ultracentrifugation method in
dogs, and to characterize and compare the lipoprotein profiles of healthy dogs of various
breeds, healthy Miniature Schnauzers, and Miniature Schnauzers with primary
hypertriglyceridemia using the same method.
Materials and methods
Dogs of various breeds (Group 1)
A total of 35 healthy dogs of various breeds with serum triglyceride and
cholesterol concentrations within their respective reference intervals were selected for
enrollment into the study. Inclusion criteria included absence of any clinical signs at the
time of blood collection and no history of diseases or current use of drugs known to
affect lipid metabolism. Owners had been instructed not to feed their dogs for at least 12
hours before the scheduled blood collection. Serum triglyceride and cholesterol
concentrations were available for all dogs.